The Second Sunday of Lent brings us to the mountaintop with Jesus, Peter, James, and John as we witness the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28b-36). In this moment of divine revelation, Jesus is transfigured before them, his face dazzling, his clothes radiant, and Moses and Elijah appearing beside him. It is a stunning glimpse of his divinity, confirming his identity as the Son of God. But just as quickly, the vision fades, and Jesus stands before them again—fully human, yet still fully divine.

 

Why does Jesus allow them to see him this way? He has just fed the 5,000 people and performed amazing miracles, and then he asks his disciples, who do people say he is. They answer, “Some say Elijah, others John the Baptist, still others one of the prophets.” Then he asks them “Who do you say that I am?” It is Peter who answers for them, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Right on the button, but Jesus knows that this testimony will be tested by his suffering that is ahead of him.

 

So, Jesus wants his closest friends to truly know him. Not just as the miracle worker or the teacher, but as the beloved Son of God, the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. He wants them to understand who he is before they face the suffering that lies ahead in Jerusalem. This deep desire—to be known, to be understood, to be loved—is not just divine; it is profoundly human. We all long for this—to be seen as we truly are by those we love. This longing for communion is the most human and yet most divine characteristic of our existence. We all have much suffering in our lives, and it is in those moments we want our closest friends and family to love us and know us truly for who we are. That is the also the journey of the cross of Lent that we are called to enter into again each year.

 

Last week, I had the privilege of leading a Lenten retreat at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Las Vegas, a parish of over 7,000 families. It was electrifying to see the church alive with faith! I preached at all the weekend Masses, and then each night—Monday through Wednesday—350 to 400 people gathered to deepen their prayer lives. Thrice, the church’s 1,700-seat capacity was filled to overflowing with young and old alike, all hungry for an encounter with Christ. We had over 8,500+ people come to five Masses with spectacular music and hospitality! What a joy to witness such faith! Their 80-year-old pastor, Fr. Bill Kenny, is an inspiration—his leadership, his love for his people, and his ability to build such a vibrant community were a powerful reminder that the Church is alive and well. Please pray for them as they journey through Lent that they may be renewed with a deeper and closer relationship with Christ.

 

As we journey through Lent here at St. Simon, let’s make it our mission to know Christ more personally and to allow ourselves to be known by him. Jesus longs to reveal his love to us, just as he did on the mountaintop. Will we allow ourselves to see him and be seen by him? Will we allow ourselves to love him and be loved by him?

 

This weekend we are blessed to host Julianne Stanz for our Lenten retreat, “Living the Hope of the Cross.” Julianne has a gift for making faith come alive in fresh and engaging ways, helping us recognize the “thin places” where God is breaking into our lives. If you haven’t put the retreat on your calendar yet, consider this your invitation! Lent is a time for transformation—let’s climb the mountain together.

 

Julianne will be accompanied by musician Meredith Augustin on March 15th, 16th & 17th. Julianne is a nationally recognized speaker and author of Braving the Thin Places, and she will lead us into an experience of encountering God in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of our lives. This retreat is an opportunity to step away from the busyness of daily life and enter into a space of reflection, prayer, and spiritual nourishment. I encourage you to invite a friend to come along with you, and for our parents with young children, we have childcare available. Please reply via the link below.

  • Saturday, March 15th: 6:00pm Wine & Cheese Reception. 6:30pm— Retreat Session #1
  • Sunday, March 16th: 6:00pm Wine & Cheese Reception. 6:30pm—Retreat Session #2
  • Saturday, March 17th: 4:30pm—Retreat Session #3

Julianne will draw from her Irish heritage and pastoral wisdom, to guide us through four essential practices of H.O.P.E.—Healing, Openness, Prayer, and the Eucharist—offering spiritual tools for personal renewal and a deeper relationship with Jesus.

 

On Friday, we will again have Stations of the Cross and Soup Suppers starting at 6:00pm. Please join us as our St. Simon Ministry groups lead the Stations in the Church and host a simple soup supper following in Spooncer Hall.

God Bless,

Fr. Brendan