“Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them…” – Mark 9:2
What comes to mind when you think of Lent? Perhaps it’s fasting from sweets or going to a Fish Fry on Friday. Believe it or not, the word “lent” actually has nothing to do with these traditional activities. It comes from an Old English word that simply means “spring.”
This is the time of year when the days grow longer and the weather begins to change. It’s a natural process. But, when it comes to us, God wants to do something supernatural. He wants to transfigure us into the glorious image of His Son, whom Peter, James, and John saw on the mountaintop.
Only God can do this; we cannot change on our own. However, we must actively choose to let Him do it. He will not force it upon us. That is why we fast during Lent. That is why we spend more time in prayer. That is why we focus more on giving to those in need. By doing these things we open ourselves up to an encounter with His grace.
And when we allow His grace to take hold of our hearts, watch out! As St. Louis de Montfort explains, God’s ability to transfigure us is even more incredible than His power to bring the natural world into being:
What a marvelous transformation is possible! Dust into light, uncleanness into purity, sinfulness into holiness, creature into Creator, man into God! A marvelous work, I repeat, so difficult in itself, and even impossible for a mere creature to bring about, for only God can accomplish it by giving his grace abundantly and in an extraordinary manner. The very creation of the universe is not as great an achievement as this.
So, this Lent, I challenge you to let God do something more awesome than changing winter into spring. Let Him make you into a new creation. Empty your belly by fasting, and He will fill your soul with His grace. Open your heart to Him in prayer, and He will penetrate it with His mercy. Give to those in need, and He will reveal to you the depths of His love.
Lord Jesus, you are the Son of God and splendor of the Father. Transfigure us through your grace and form us into worthy icons of your love. Lead us, along with Saints Peter, James, and John, to the glorious heights of your holy mountain. Amen.