The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
The Gospel today focuses on the transfiguration of Jesus. Similarly, Lent is a season where we too allow ourselves to be changed and remolded as best we can to God's will.
So what does it look like to be transformed by God? And how can we make the most of this precious season? The second reading today gives us some insight into just that. St. Paul compels us to “bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.” He goes on to give us even more insight as to how we go about this transformation, when he states, "He [God] saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works, but according to His own design.”
It is clear that God is calling us to live a holy life, which gives context and meaning to everything else we do. What is easily missed is the powerful means by which we bear our share and live out this holy life.
St. Paul reflects on the reality that much of what God calls us to is not something we have to create and forge for ourselves, but to receive what He has carefully and lovingly designed for us, even when it is very challenging or difficult.
Our additional practices and sacrifices during the Lenten season can sometimes morph into a contest or challenge of consistency and endurance, seeing how long we can keep up those practices and to what degree. It quietly shifts the focus away from God to us and what we can accomplish, rather than a deeper surrender to our Lord. Taking on the spirit of surrender, and receiving from God rather than on what we are doing helps to safeguard us from a subtle pride and allows us to be more fully transfigured.
Let us take this moment to recommit ourselves to our Lenten observances and ask God what He desires for us. Allow yourself to receive Him and His designs more fully as we continue in this beautiful season of preparation.
Andrew Montpetit is a Motion Graphic Designer/Animator in West Michigan. He greatly enjoys good films and deep, substantive conversations about beauty and its pursuit. You can find his work on his website and on Instagram.
