In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus took the three disciples, Peter, James, and John, up to the mountains and transfigured before their eyes. The three were chosen by no accident. They all had played and would play significant roles in the development of Jesus’s life and the formation of the Church. Peter was the first to acknowledge the divinity of Jesus and became the first Pope. James was a fervent preacher and the first apostle to be martyred. John crafted a beautiful, unique Gospel showcasing the divine person of Jesus Christ.

While the apostles were still awestruck from witnessing a glimpse of Heaven, Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone about what they had seen before he rose from the dead. How much strength this must have taken! Jesus hand-picked the apostles knowing that they would struggle with this, but more importantly, struggle through this and ultimately honor his command by their faith in Jesus Christ.

As we enter this second Sunday of Lent, let us reflect on how we have embraced God’s will for us this season. How can we continue to grow closer to God through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving? Where have we struggled, and where is God calling us to do more? Recall how the pillars of Lent have shaped and continue to shape us. Fasting helps us subject the flesh to the spirit, prayer helps us rely on God and His all-powerful strength, and almsgiving requires us to let go of our own desires. Just like Peter, James, and John, Jesus is calling us to the mountain to encounter him and embrace him. Let us continue to practice fasting, prayer, and almsgiving with a burning passion, so that when God calls us to greatness with a difficult challenge, we may respond just as the apostles did.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, I pray this Lent that we may always remember in confidence our penultimate goal in life: to bring ourselves and others to Heaven, so that one day we may see the light of Christ transfigured in radiant, unimaginable glory.