Father Randy Koenigsknecht
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On the Second Sunday of Lent, the Church gives us the Transfiguration — a powerful revelation of Christ’s divine glory. This reflection explores why the Transfiguration is proclaimed every Lent and how it anchors our Lenten journey not merely in penance, but in certain and unshakable hope.
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Today’s Gospel recounts one of the pinnacle moments of Jesus’ earthly life: the Transfiguration. It is one of those great milestones in salvation history — the moment when Christ’s divine glory is revealed to a select group of His disciples. Every Second Sunday of Lent, the Church gives us this Gospel.
Why?
Why does the Church place the Transfiguration before us every Lent?
At first glance, it seems like a departure from the usual Lenten themes — repentance, humility, penance, fasting, almsgiving, confession. And yet, it fits perfectly. Because while Lent is indeed about repentance and turning our lives more fully over to God, it is also a season founded upon hope.
Hope is trusting what God has promised. Hope is believing what He has said. It is confidence in His fidelity.
Lent reminds us what God has done for us: that for our sake He came to live among us, to suffer for us, to die for us. And through His Resurrection, He promises new life to those who follow Him.
Lent teaches us to walk that journey with the Lord. Just as He walked the way of the Cross, we take up our own crosses daily. We walk beside Him. We suffer with Him. We trust Him.
Why? Because we believe what He said — that if we follow Him, we will have renewed life here and now, and eternal life when our earthly life comes to an end. When our bodies return to dust, they will be raised again.
This is the hope upon which Lent is built.
And hope is not wishful thinking. Hope is certain.
It allows us to stand firm on the promise of abundant life, even when we suffer. Even when God seems distant. Hope directs our gaze toward what will be — if we are willing to keep following and trusting the Lord.
The Transfiguration is meant to instill that hope.
Jesus brings Peter, James, and John up the mountain so they can see who He truly is. Not merely a prophet. Not merely a teacher. But God Himself — radiant in splendor, glory, and majesty.
Because very soon, these same disciples will watch their world collapse. Jesus will be arrested. He will be tried. He will be brutally executed.
The Transfiguration is given to them as a sign of the Resurrection to come. Yes, He will die — but He will rise. Death has no power over Him.
And so Jesus gives His disciples a moment they can cling to when the storm arrives.
In the face of despair, they can remember what they saw. They can remember who He revealed Himself to be. And even when they cannot see the way forward, they can remain steadfast.
They can stay the course.
They can stay with Him.