The second Sunday of Lent presents us with the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus. The Transfiguration takes place at a critical moment in the life and ministry of Jesus. He has left behind the green valleys and gentle rolling hills of Galilee and taken the road to Jerusalem, where he will be delivered into the hands of his enemies. The Transfiguration story is not only about what happened on that mountain long ago; it is about the transforming moments God gives us today and what we do after we experience them.
Jesus chose three of his disciples and led them up a high mountain. Sometimes, before God reveals something deeper, He separates us from the noise. The world today is filled with constant notifications, deadlines, and endless scrolling, we rarely take time and go to the mountain to be alone with God. Spiritual Clarity requires intentional withdrawal: a retreat, a quiet morning and evening prayers. These can be our mountains.
On that mountain, Jesus’ appearance changed, and his divine glory became visible. The disciples saw Him not just as their teacher, but in his divine nature. There are moments in life when our understanding of Jesus deepens. It may be a glorious worship and prayers, a healing we prayed for, or a time when God carries us through illness, financial hardship, or family struggles. In those moments, Christ becomes more than a concept. He becomes real.
Peter’s reaction was to build shelters and remain there. He wanted to preserve that experience. But mountaintop experiences are not meant to be permanent residences. They are meant to prepare us for the valley.
Then a cloud overshadowed them, and the voice of God affirmed Jesus and instructed them to listen to Him. Today, many voices compete for our attention including social media influencers, political commentators and even our own fears. The challenge is not hearing voices; it is choosing which voice to obey. The message of the mountain is simple: when confused, listen to Jesus.
The disciples were overwhelmed and fell in fear. Jesus approached them and touched them, telling them not to be afraid. That moment reminds us that God’s glory is not meant to crush us but to strengthen us. When we feel overwhelmed by life because of medical diagnoses, family conflict, or ministry pressure, Christ does not stand distant. He draws near.
The story of the Transfiguration calls us to seek mountaintop encounters and to walk faithful in the valleys. We cannot live on emotional highs alone. True Transformation shows itself when we return to daily responsibilities with greater faith, clearer vision, and deeper obedience.
It is time, as St Paul reminds us in our second reading, to trust in the grace of Christ, who has abolished death, and proclaimed life and immortality through the Good News (2Tim 1.1-10).
May we climb the mountain through prayer. May we listen to Jesus above all other voices. And may we descend into our everyday lives shinning with reflected glory of God.
Fr. Alex Osei
SSC-USA Spiritual Director