Fr. Mike's Gospel Reflection for - Sunday, March 1, 2026

The Gospel this weekend is the account of the Transfiguration of our Lord. This is the moment when Jesus took Peter, James and John up the mountain to see him in dazzling white with Moses and Elijah as Jesus as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets.

The apostles hear God’s voice speaking to them. We pray that, as we listen to God’s voice, we may merit to become co-heirs to eternity.We should not be satisfied with merely hearing God. We must do more than that. We seek to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus. God tells the apostles to listen to Jesus. Those words are spoken to the apostles on the mountain and to us here today. Our very existence on this earth is directed toward listening to God and being transformed into the likeness of Christ.

So, what does this mean for us here today? First, we are reminded that our relationship with God is based on two essential points of contact: His Word and The Eucharist. Each mass is an opportunity for us to witness and participate in the glory of our Lord in much the same way as the apostles did on the mountain. We hear the word of God from the Old Testament which forms the basis of his loving relationship with us. We hear the good news of the New Testament which opens our minds and hearts to the promise of eternal life.

At each mass, our first duty is to “listen.” But then, much as Jesus shone in his glory on the mountain, he shines for us here on this very altar as the bread and wine are transformed into his body and blood.This is the first transformation.The second transformation occurs when we receive the Eucharist and we become what we receive. When we take what we receive outside of this church. When we “come down the mountain” and face the harsh reality of the world around us.That’s when the grace that we receive in Holy Communion gives us the courage and energy to speak for what is right and true. Jesus gives us his life, death and resurrection. He feeds us with his body and blood. In return, we need to stay focused, trust Him, obey Him, and, as God commands, “Listen to Him.”

Fr. Mike