Hear the mystical experience of the Transfiguration, as described by Mark’s Gospel:

Jesus took Peter, James, and John
and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them,
and his clothes became dazzling white,
such as no fuller on earth could bleach them.
Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses,
and they were conversing with Jesus.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Rabbi, it is good that we are here!
Let us make three tents:
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified.
Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them;
from the cloud came a voice,
“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone
but Jesus alone with them.

We would consider ourselves blessed to have an encounter as miraculous as described above, but we each get to witness God clearly revealing Himself in our lives and the lives of those around us. We are not able to stay in those moments forever, but when we align the fabric of our lives with the understanding that God is fully present to us, we will continue to see more of Him. It is as if a veil has been lifted and we can see the divine in all things. Life, lived in His grace, becomes more colorful.

Fighting to remain in a moment that has passed or looking to replicate a spiritual experience can prevent us from encountering the will of God in the present. We can certainly delight in the past and should carry moments of divine revelation with us, but we must not let that be a barrier to picking up our cross.

Peter, who wished to stay in the presence of the fully revealed Christ, would later deny knowing our Lord who had been sentenced to death on a cross. Because God’s mercy far exceeds our sinfulness, Peter ultimately became the rock upon which the Christian Church was built and remains today.

Lent gives us the opportunity to better know all aspects of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Higher Power. If you are finding that following him is not always easy—perhaps even confusing and terrifying at times—then you are not alone. Let us not forget the resurrection that follows the crucifixion and let us continue to weave our recovery into the foundation of our lives as we seek freedom from addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments.

Reflection Questions

• How has God revealed Himself to you through your recovery journey?
• What helps you remain in the present moment?
• How has life in recovery become “more colorful”?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19
Second Reading: Romans 8:31b-34
Gospel: Mark 9:2-10

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