The Transfiguration –
A Call to Transformation
Lent is often seen as a season of sacrifice—giving up sweets, fasting from meals, or cutting down on social media. But what if we saw Lent not just as a season of sacrifice, but as a season of transformation?
Today’s Gospel presents us with the Transfiguration of Jesus, one of the most powerful moments in Scripture. Peter, James, and John witness Jesus in His divine glory, standing with Moses and Elijah. But this moment is not just about Jesus—it is about us.
The Transfiguration reminds us that we are called to change, to be renewed, to be transformed. As we journey through Lent, let us reflect on five key lessons from the Transfiguration that can help us become truly transformed people.
1. Transformation Requires an Encounter with God
Jesus took Peter, James, and John up the mountain (Luke 9:28). In the Bible, mountains symbolize encounters with God—Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, and Elijah heard God’s whisper on Mount Horeb.
In the same way, we need to “climb our own mountain” to encounter God. This means stepping away from distractions and spending time in His presence in this Lenten Season in the following ways:
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Make time for personal prayer.
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Spend extra time in Eucharistic Adoration.
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Read and meditate on Scripture daily.
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Dedicate 10 minutes to silent reflection every day.
Transformation begins not in busyness, but in God’s presence.
2. Transformation Requires Listening to Jesus
As Jesus is transfigured, a voice from the cloud declares:
"This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to Him!" (Luke 9:35).
One of the greatest obstacles to transformation is noise—the noise of our worries, ambitions, and worldly distractions. In Lent, we are called to quiet the noise and truly listen to Jesus. Let us try to do the following:
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Reduce distractions—limit social media, cut back on TV, and avoid gossip.
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Spend more time listening to God in prayer.
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Ask yourself: “Lord, what are You saying to me this Lent?”
When we make time to listen to God, the Father he will reveal to us that we too are his beloved sons and daughters.
3. Transformation Requires Letting Go of Comfort
Peter, overwhelmed by the glorious sight, suggests building tents to stay on the mountain (Luke 9:33). He wants to stay in that moment of comfort. But faith is not about staying in comfortable places—it’s about embracing change and challenge.
Many of us cling to spiritual comfort zones. Maybe we are holding on to a grudge, resisting change, or avoiding deeper commitment to our faith. But transformation happens when we do the following in faith:
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Identify one area of comfort that is holding you back.
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Let go of a bad habit, resentment, or fear.
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Take on a new challenge—fasting from negativity, forgiving someone, or stepping out to serve.
When we let go, we make space for God to work in us.
4. Transformation Requires Seeing Beyond the Present
The apostles were afraid and confused at first, but later they understood that the Transfiguration pointed to Jesus’ resurrection. Sometimes, we do not immediately see God’s purpose in our struggles.
Lent is a time to trust that God is working in us—even when we don’t see results. If you are struggling, surrender your worries to God. Have faith that your sacrifices, prayers, and fasting will bear fruit. Just as the apostles later understood the meaning of the Transfiguration, we too will see God’s work unfold in our lives.
5. Transformation Requires Action
After the Transfiguration, Jesus and the disciples did not stay on the mountain—they came down and continued their mission. Faith is not just about reflection; it is about action.
Lent is not just about thinking about change—it’s about living it. Let us do one concrete act of transformation this Lent like starting a habit of daily prayer, making a commitment to serve others or forgiving someone you have held a grudge against.
Faith without action is incomplete. When we take real steps toward change, we live the Transfiguration in our own lives.
Conclusion: Living a Transfigured Life
Lent is not just about giving up things—it is about becoming new people.
The Transfiguration reminds us that we are not meant to stay the same. God calls us to rise above our weaknesses, to step out in faith, and to be renewed by His grace.
This Lent don’t just give something up—take something up. Let God change you. By Easter, may we not only celebrate Christ’s resurrection but also experience our own transformation.