March 20, 2011: 2nd Sunday of Lent

Are we like the disciples who just want to stay and not to do the daily hard work of discipleship? Ask Jesus to help you be a better Christian.

Jesus took Peter and James and John, his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. (Matthew 17:1-2)

Every year on the second Sunday of Lent we hear the story of the transfiguration.
We are told that this story is a preview of Jesus’ resurrection.
Lent is a preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection during the Easter season. As you read the rest of the story of Jesus’ transfiguration, this year from the gospel of St. Matthew, you find out that the apostles who accompanied Jesus up the mountain wanted to stay there. They did not look forward to returning to the daily, hard work of discipleship.

Action:

How true is the saying: no pain, no gain!
Anything worthwhile requires hard work. Succeeding in school, achieving in sports, being a faithful Christian all require hard work!
Discipline is a necessary practice in daily living. It is especially important during Lent when we choose to do something challenging that will make us better Christians.
If we work hard, we will usually enjoy success in the end.