The primary focus of the Second Sunday of Lent is usually the glories of heaven which we have a glimpse of through the event of the transfiguration of the Lord. It was a very beautiful scene to behold, little wonder Peter would exclaim "Master, it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." This event was indeed very necessary, apt and timely at that time and much more for us at this time as it stands as a way to further give credit to the faith of the apostles and in fact, encourage them not to relent in their efforts in doing the Lord's bidding.

 

It is very important dear friends to constantly remind ourselves that our final goal as Christians is heaven. To miss this fact at any given time is to be on the wrong path and setting out to further the wrong course. In fact, at the beginning of this holy season of grace, the Church reminded us of this fact as we were signed with the ashes "Remember you are dust and unto dust you shall return". It is a subtle reminder that our home is not here on earth but in heaven. In fact, St. Paul reminds us of this fact in the second reading where He says contrary to those who live for earthly things "For us, our homeland is in heaven, and from heaven comes the saviour we are waiting for, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he will transfigure these wretched bodies of ours into copies of his glorious body. He will do that by the same power with which he can subdue the whole universe."

 

Moving towards this heavenly home dear friends comes at a price and this is the way of the Cross. Without the cross of Christ, we cannot have a share in this heavenly home prepared for us but quite unfortunate how many of us desire so much this home but in

 

practice, we act as enemies of the way that leads of our final home. These are people St. Paul calls "enemies of the Cross of Christ". These are the people who live only for material things, those who do not see any reason for self-denial and mortification. To this set of Christians, it is just enough to be called a Christian but never to live out the sacrifices it entails. Without the way of the Cross, the glories of heaven remain blink. This is why Jesus would instruct the apostles to descend the mountain, go work hard while they devote themselves to listening to the voice of the Lord; the best teacher.

 

As we keep our hopes alive for that glory which awaits us, we are not to give up the struggle but remain ever faithful, "So then, my brothers and dear friends, do not give way but remain faithful in the Lord." This faithfulness entails accepting our cross and following Him sincerely, accepting whatever He wills for us.

 

It is therefore very much appropriate to pray this season that popular prayer "Jesus I love you, all I have is yours, yours I am, yours I want to be, do with me whatever you will."

 

Let us pray: Hear our voice O Lord when we call to you, strengthen by your grace to remain ever faithful on this way of faith that our faithfulness may one day earn us the glories of heaven. Amen

 

Happy Sunday, Stay Safe and Stay Blessed