This weekend the Sunday Gospel tells of the Transfiguration of Jesus: When he took Peter, James, and John to the top of Mount Tabor and allowed them to see the glory of his divinity. This Gospel also provided Pope Francis the inspiration for his Lenten
message this year.
Our Holy Father speaks of how Lent calls all of us to climb upward. “We need to set out on the journey, an uphill path that, like a mountain trek, requires effort, sacrifice and concentration.” Whatever our Lenten penance may be, it is something we do in union with the Lord and his disciples; we are not alone. And the beautiful sight of the Lord’s glory, at the summit, is more than worth the journey.
As we continue our Lenten climb, let’s not become discouraged or complacent. This is really the journey of a lifetime: a lifetime with Jesus, who suffered, died, and rose from the dead to save us. With our eyes fixed on him, all things become possible. He never calls us to do something without giving us the grace to do it.
Let’s cooperate with the graces of this season, so that Easter will truly be a celebration of new life in the Lord.
Gratefully yours,
Fr. Philip
