Transfigured by the Sacraments

A Reflection on the Gospel for Sunday, March 1, 2026:
Second Sunday of Lent​

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Matthew
​17.1-9

​Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.

Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”

When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

​Have you ever wondered what it must have been like for Peter, James, and John to accompany Jesus on so many secret missions? There is a special bond that two or more people forge when they share a common experience, and especially if that experience is a secret or confidential matter that is not to be shared with others. It becomes a foundation on which that relationship starts to strengthen. 

Peter is so relatable as he is someone who wants to make things easier for those around him. His eagerness can also be viewed as foolishness. Little does he know that the Lord does not need a tent. All the Lord needs is his undying faith and loyalty, which is why he is being allowed to witness spectacles that only a few are privileged to witness. However, we all know how Peter’s enthusiasm plays out, especially in the readings we will hear closer to Good Friday. 

So, wait a minute. Pause right there: Do you think Jesus was unaware of Peter’s fickle heart? Was Jesus disappointed when Peter denied Him (a few days from the Transfiguration)? No! On the contrary, Jesus was preparing Peter and the others for the time “after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” 

Now, let’s apply this to our lives: Do you think Jesus is unaware of our fickle hearts? Is He disappointed when we deny Him by choosing sin? Jesus created us and He knows our fallen nature better than we do. And hence He has left us His Bride, the Church, and the sacraments of healing, like Reconciliation, the Eucharist, and the Anointing of the Sick. Our Maker knows our sinful nature, and He knows what we need when we decide to come back to Him. 

As we journey through this Lent, let us remember that the God of mercy is always unveiling the beauty of His Transfiguration. Like Peter, we may have mountain-top experiences in our faith life, and we may also fall into the valley of sin. No matter what our circumstance, we can be sure that Jesus knows and He loves us anyway. Nothing can separate us from His love and mercy – especially not the foolish things we do. So, this Lent, let us say yes to being transfigured by the sacraments by staying close to Jesus in and through them.

Loving Jesus, 
Thank You that You don’t focus on my sin, but instead lovingly invite me to a life of ongoing repentance. Help me to always respond to Your call and to come back to the graces offered in the sacraments. 
Amen.




Rebecca D'Mello

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