March 26, 2025

By Father William Muench
NCC columnist

It’s still Lent. The middle of Lent can be a time when we sort of forget or get busy with other things and leave out our Lenten promises. Our will power gets weak. This is a time for a rededication – sort of a Lenten renewal. We do have a couple of weeks left in our Lenten journey; we still have time to get prepared for Holy Week.

Recently, on a Lenten Sunday, I know you remember, the Gospel reading was about the Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus. Jesus took Peter, James and John up Mount Tabor. At the top, there was a magnificent miracle – Jesus is changed before their very eyes. It was like a powerful light showed through the Lord’s body, a sort of divine glow. The apostles recognized the power of the Lord. Many explain this as an effort by Jesus to strength their faith. Jesus seemed to be worried that his apostles would not remain strong and faithful as Jesus would be facing his Passion and crucifixion. Jesus wanted them to remain confident during that crucial time.

I believe the Lord continues to reach out to us in the same way to keep us strong in our faith and active in our Christian life. He reaches out to us in this time of Lent. I think of so many examples! First, there is our participation together at the celebration of Mass. It can be like a transfiguration of the Lord. Jesus comes to us and is truly present in his glory. We will experience his power, we should recognize his love for us, and we are called to continue to meet the challenges of being a Christian. During Lent, the Mass always challenges us to turn to the Lord in a special way through prayer and mortification. This is our path to sainthood.

I believe that there are many other ways that the Lord makes himself present to strengthen our faith and to stay active. Again, like transfigurations, the Lord constantly encourages us to stay close to our God, especially during this time of Lent. It is so important that we are always aware of the Lord’s loving presence. Today, I think of the many people who enter our lives, the unexpected visitors, family or friends, and how often they make Jesus present to us. I have noticed this myself, the day is changed or a moment is brightened by a visitor, often an unexpected visitor. It is truly a blessing that brings the presence of God to me. I am changed, and it is a gift from the Lord. In many ways, this is truly a transfiguration for me.

When I mention this, I immediately think of a child. A child can truly bring the Lord’s presence to us. A few moments with a child can be a real transfiguration of the Lord. Even just the smile of a child can be a transforming moment. Ask any grandparent. The Lord’s power comes to challenge us to be a better person.

Just one more example: the Sacrament of Penance, confession, brings the presence of the Lord to our lives in a perfect way. God wants to be part of our confession, coming with forgiveness, coming to challenge us to change what must be changed. Only the Lord can do that for us in this wonderful sacrament. Confession is a powerful part of our Lenten journey.

I believe that every confession should begin with a log and loving prayer to the Lord in gratitude for God’s constant forgiveness. Allowing the presence of God to be with us as we confessor sinfulness, as we seek forgiveness, is truly a transfiguration.