Posted on marzo 6, 2026 View all Gospel Reflection
“‘Lord it is good that we are here.’” (Matt. 17:4a)
It seems a little out of place to have Jesus reveal himself in the Transfiguration in the penitential season of Lent. It is hard to imagine that great and glorious event situated in the midst of the sacrificial journey towards the Cross. But it is precisely this event that connects Jesus’ journey to the Cross with several key events in the Old Testament.
First, we see the heavens open up and “from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.’” (Matt. 17:5) Some scripture scholars align this declaration by the Lord God to that moment when God declared “You are my son, today I have begotten you.” (Psalm 2:7) about David. Further we see alignment of Jesus as prefigured by Isaac, the one and only son or beloved son, of Abraham. Abraham, who is considered to be the Father of the people of God, was asked by God to offer up his son Isaac. Isaac would then carry the wood of his sacrifice up the mountain in just the same way as Jesus would carry the wood of the Cross up the path towards Golgotha. While God did spare Isaac, he did not withhold the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross for our sake.
These connections also then deepen the truth that Jesus’ death on the Cross is not an end but rather a satisfaction for our human sinfulness with the promise of life and light through the Gospel. (cf 2 Tim. 1:10) The light of the Transfiguration and the subsequent dialogue of Jesus with Moses and Elijah show how death is not the end. Jesus shows in this new way how the Lord is the God of the living and not of the dead. (cf Matt. 22:32 and also God’s self-revelation to Moses as “I AM” in Exodus 3:14)
The Transfiguration reveals to the disciples the divinity of Jesus Christ in such a stark manner that, while it is hard to comprehend, it will serve to strengthen their faith when it is tested during the events of Holy Week. We too should look to draw strength from this event ourselves. While we benefit from the knowledge of the Resurrection, our faith can be weak. St. Timothy reminds us to “bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.” (2 Tim. 1:8b)
As we continue to journey through Lent, we may find that our Lenten sacrifices and works of charity are hard to maintain. This is precisely when we need to turn to the Lord. He will give us the strength we need to be faithful in this journey. That universal call to holiness which was described in Vatican II (Lumen Gentium, chapter 5) takes root in these moments as well. Our holiness is not rooted in our own works (although these works manifest our holiness). Rather our holiness is a “grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus … who destroyed death.” (2 Tim. 1:10) In order for this grace to take effect and to be manifested in our works, we need to open our hearts to Jesus. And so, our Lenten practices help us in just that area. They work to reduce our sense of pride, increase our humility and direct our love of neighbor. When we allow God’s grace in our lives, there is no limit to how God will also transfigure our lives to be more united to the life of Christ.
