When Jesus took his closest disciples, Peter, James and John to the top of a mountain, they must have expected that he was about to reveal something important to them. But they could not have foreseen what actually happened. The disciples saw Jesus transfigured – shining like the sun. Moses and Elijah, the two greatest figures from the Old Testament, were with him, and the disciples heard the voice of God the Father. No wonder that Peter, James and John were terrified and confused. For the first time, Jesus was revealed to them as who he really was – the Son of God. They fell to the ground in awe of the vision that they were seeing.

But Jesus lifted his disciples up and told them ‘Do not be afraid.’  The vision was meant to give them courage for what lay ahead – Jesus’ crucifixion and death.

As we make our way through the season of Lent, a time of prayer and penance, the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration should be an encouragement for us. The words of God the Father are meant for us, too: ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.’ If we remain faithful, we will be ready to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ when the feast of Easter comes.