A divorced father is frustrated about coming late to see a movie with his sick teen-age son. A mother finds out that the baby she is carrying has Down’s syndrome. An employer feels bad about laying-off another worker. A parish community feels sad about the death of a kind and beloved volunteer. A Third World country continues to fall apart due to corruption, drug trafficking, and poverty. These are some hard realities of life. At times, in difficulties and struggles like these ones we ask ourselves, “Where is God in all of these?”

It’s the Second Sunday of Lent, and today we hear the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus. Like the apostles, we get tired of facing our “Galilees” and “Jerusalems”. If it’s at all possible, we want to be up on the mountain top of life where there are no responsibilities to face, no tragedies to accept, no sad news to hear, and no injustices to fight. We want to have a life devoid of any pain or any problem. But, unfortunately, this is not reality. We all have to go through experiences of living and dying.

The story of Transfiguration, however, allows us to endure our sufferings and to hope for a better life and world. It gives a glimpse of perfect joy for those who persevere in carrying their crosses. This Christian story is a promise to hold and a justice to look forward. However, it does not stop us from dreaming of a decent and happier life in the here and now. The complete transfiguration of our lives and the world may not happen in the present time, but it can start with every heroic deed, every sacrifice, and every generous offering.

I hope that this Season of Lent will give us the graces of perfect endurance and unceasing commitment to do what is right and just. The Church in Word and Sacrament is here to grant us these graces. And we’re here to pray for one another to live and finish our personal Galilees and Jerusalems. Have a Blessed Lent!