The Transfiguration

by Fr. John Granato  |  03/01/2026  |  Words from Fr. John

My Dear Friends,

Just as every first Sunday of Lent we read about Jesus' being tempted in the desert, every second Sunday of Lent is the account of the Transfiguration. This one today is from the Gospel of Matthew. The Transfiguration is an important event in the life of Jesus and the apostles in the gospel. We even celebrate the Transfiguration liturgically every August 6th as a feast day of the Lord.

Jesus brings Peter, James and John up the mountain and as he converses with Elijah and Moses, he is transfigured in dazzling white in the presence of these three apostles. St. Peter will reference this event in one of his letters in the New Testament. The Transfiguration is also the fourth luminous mystery of the rosary. The purpose of having the Transfiguration read during the second Sunday is to let us know that our Lenten penances are meant to purify us and change us so that we will receive the glory of God.

As we mortify our bodies here on earth especially during the Lenten season, we are acknowledging that our bodies will be glorified according to God's promise. Penitential practices are difficult, especially when we begin them, but as we progress in the spiritual life with these spiritual battles, we become stronger and are able to avoid sins of the flesh. Jesus is beginning his last journey to Jerusalem where he will be crucified for our sake. He gives these three apostles this gift of seeing that his suffering and crucifixion will be overcome and we will share in his glory for all eternity. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Do no harm to it.

God bless!