On this Second Sunday of Lent, the Church leads us up a high mountain with Jesus in the Gospel of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–9). There, before Peter, James, and John, Jesus is transfigured — His face shining like the sun, His clothes dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear beside Him, representing the Law and the Prophets. And then the voice of the Father declares: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”
Lent is our mountain journey.
In the first reading (Genesis 12:1–4a), Abraham is called to leave what is familiar and secure. “Go forth from your land… to a land that I will show you.” Abraham does not know the destination. He only knows the One who calls him. Lent asks something similar of us: to step away from what is comfortable — habits, distractions, even sins we have grown used to — and to trust that God is leading us somewhere better. The Transfiguration reminds us why this journey matters. The disciples see, just for a moment, who Jesus truly is. The glory that is usually hidden shines through. It strengthens them for what is to come — especially the scandal of the Cross. Before Good Friday, they are given a glimpse of Easter.
We, too, need that glimpse.
Our lives are often marked by burdens: family struggles, health concerns, uncertainty about the future. Faith does not remove these realities. But it changes how we carry them. The vision of Christ’s glory assures us that suffering and sacrifice do not have the final word. Transformation does. Peter wants to stay on the mountain: “Lord, it is good that we are here.” Who wouldn’t? We all cherish moments of clarity, peace, and spiritual consolation. Yet Jesus leads them back down the mountain — back to ordinary life, where healing, teaching, and ultimately the Cross await. Lent is not about escaping the world; it is about returning to it changed.
The Father’s command is simple: “Listen to him.”
This may be the heart of Lent. In a noisy world, filled with competing voices and constant distraction, are we truly listening to Christ? Through Scripture, prayer, the Eucharist, and the quiet movements of our conscience, He speaks. Do we make space to hear Him? This week, perhaps our Lenten practice can be shaped by that question. Take ten quiet minutes each day with the Gospel. Turn off the unnecessary noise. Fast not only from food, but from whatever keeps you from hearing the Lord clearly. Allow His light to reveal what needs to be transformed within you.
The same Jesus who shone with glory on the mountain walks with us now. If we follow Him through Lent — trusting like Abraham, listening like the disciples — we will not only witness His glory at Easter; we will share in it. May this holy season transfigure our hearts.
Fr. Varghese Puthussery SAC