On this Second Sunday of our Lenten Journey, we are blessed with the account of the Transfiguration from the Gospel of Mark. Here, our Lord reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John – a moment of heavenly splendor breaking through the veil and giving the three disciples a peek into Jesus' Divine Glory.
Our beloved Jesus leads these three disciples up a high mountain, away from the noise and concerns of daily existence. There, in that sacred place, He is transfigured before them. His garments become dazzling white, brighter than any earthly cleaner could make them. Moses and Elijah appear, conversing with Him – the Law and the Prophets bearing witness to the fulfillment of all God's promises.
Peter, overcome with awe yet unsure how to respond, offers to build three tents – one for Jesus, one for Moses, one for Elijah. How like us! In moments of profound spiritual encounter, we often grasp for something practical to do, something tangible to hold onto, rather than simply remaining in the presence of the Glory and Splendor of the Lord.
Then comes the Father's voice from the cloud: "This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him." What tender instruction! The Father directs our gaze and our hearts to His Son alone. Moses and Elijah fade away, and the disciples see only Jesus. Only Jesus!
Like these disciples, we too are invited to witness glimpses of our Lord's glory, especially in our prayer and in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. These glimpses sustain us through our trials and sufferings, through the desert of Lent, through the darkness of our own crosses.
But we must examine: What distractions, even good and noble ones, draw our attention away from our Lord? Perhaps we become too focused on spiritual practices themselves rather than the One to whom they lead. Perhaps we fixate on theological knowledge rather than relationship with divine Wisdom. Perhaps we become enamored with the servants of God (like Moses and Elijah) rather than fixing our gaze on the Master Himself.
I can completely relate to distractions, in a good way. But none the less, a distraction. The Rosary Makers Ministry sometimes consumes me and distracts my attention to do all the work that has to be done. I am ever grateful that I am aware of this distraction and get myself back on track every time I catch it.
Today, let us ask for the grace to see Jesus alone – to recognize His presence in our lives, to hear His voice amid the noise of the world, and to be transformed by His love. May the vision of His glory strengthen us for the journey ahead, as we walk with Him toward Jerusalem, toward Calvary, and ultimately, toward Easter of His Resurrection.
In the words of the Psalmist, "Your face, O Lord, do I seek. Hide not your face from me."
Prayer of the Transfigured Heart
Merciful Lord of light and glory, You who unveiled Your splendor on the mountaintop,
Revealing to Peter, James, and John, a glimpse of Your divine nature
Hidden beneath Your humanity.
I stand before You now as they did then - Overwhelmed, awestruck, trembling with wonder.
My heart yearns for that same transforming vision,
to see beyond the ordinary into Your Splendid Glory.
In those moments when darkness surrounds me, when faith falters and hope dims, let me remember the mountain.
Let me recall Your face, shining like the sun,
Your garments, whiter than any earthly brilliance.
I hear You, God the Father, in the cloud of my confusion:
"This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him."
Direct my gaze past every distraction - past even Your good gifts and messengers, until I see Jesus alone.
Transform me, Lord, by this glimpse of glory.
Let Your light penetrate my shadows,
Your beauty reshape my brokenness,
Your love transfigure my heart.
May I carry this vision through the valleys of life, through my Lenten Journey of surrender,
through suffering and sacrifice, until that day when faith becomes sight and I see You face to face.
Grant me the grace to listen deeply. To follow faithfully. And to proclaim joyfully. The mystery of Your Presence my Lord.
Amen.
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
