In the first reading, the Lord called Abram to take his relatives and to depart from his country and his father’s house. From there, all would journey to the land that the Lord would show them, (Gen. 12:1). God made a Promise to Abraham and blessed him: “I will make you a great nation…I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you.”

We are usually very fast to claim Abraham’s blessings and glory. This is good. However, it is essential to note that the necessary condition for claiming this blessing is obedience to God’s will and response to His call and mission for us. Abraham did not say “Oh Lord, can it wait until tomorrow, I am tired.” Nor did he say, “Lord, I am too old to start walking blindly, not knowing where I am going.” In short, responding to God’s call must make you “leave” your comfort zone. This is the condition for receiving Abraham’s blessing in the first reading and partaking in God’s Glory as revealed to the Apostles in today’s Gospel.

Jesus was Transfigured on Mount Tabor and His disciples, Peter James and John got a glimpse of the glory that was His as the Son of God. His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become dazzling white. And the voice of God comes from the cloud, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”

This transfiguration event is not just a display of power; it is a gift of hope.

Jesus knew that His disciples would soon face the scandal of the Cross, the fear, confusion, and sorrow of seeing their Master suffer and die.

The Transfiguration was meant to strengthen the faith of the disciples and us, to remind us that beyond the suffering lies the glory of the Resurrection.

Hence, St Paul encourages us today to “bear the hardship for the sake of the Good news,” as our path to Holiness.

God wants us to become holy, through our Christian deeds reminding us that we have received our life and immortality through the Gospel. Lent is a time to listen and follow. God may lead us in ways we do not expect. We are not meant to stay in one place. Just like Abram and the disciples, we are called to move forward with hope. Wishing you a fruitful season of Lent.