Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Lent. Traditionally, on this second Sunday of Lent we hear the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mount. Peter, James and John witness the event as Jesus stands in radiant glory in the middle of Moses, the Law, and Elijah, the prophets. Jesus is revealed as the Son of God whose sacrificial death that approaches will fulfill God’s will. The Transfiguration also reveals the glory that is given to us when we give everything to God. In today’s first lesson from Genesis we recall the test of Abraham. God asks him to sacrifice his only son. Putting his trust in God Abraham passes the test with flying colors and is blessed abundantly. This scene prefigures the one in today’s Gospel as Jesus obediently does the Father’s will. In that “glimpse of glory,’ Peter, James and John, are given a sign of not only Jesus’ glory, but ours as well when we give our all to God.
This coming Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, Fr. Kunz and I will be available for an extended period after the 8am Mass at Immaculate Conception to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance. Fr. Kunz will be available in the confessional on St. Joseph’s side, and I will be set up in the Children’s Chapel directly behind the pulpit. I encourage parishioners from all three of our parishes, I.C., St. Joseph, and St. Clare to take advantage of this extended time. Lent calls us to repentance and this is an opportunity, in addition to our regular confession times, to include the celebration of Penance as part of your preparation for Easter.
Fr. Pete
