"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." (Mt. 17:5)
This is the Second Sunday of Lent. Jesus takes Peter, James and John up the mountain and is transfigured before them. Jesus loved his apostles and did not hide from them the challenges they would find in following him. Stephen Covey in his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" states that we should begin with the end in mind.
Our entire Lenten journey is a preparation for heaven. The apostles never forgot the grace they received on that mountain. It left no room for doubt that Jesus was God and that it was necessary to pass from the cross to the Resurrection. Many times we lose our way because we take our eyes off Jesus as Peter did when he walked on water. We focus on how much the cross costs instead of seeing it as a necessary instrument for my sanctification and a ladder to reach heaven. No matter how many Calvaries we have to endure in life, if we are faithful to Christ until death we will be rewarded with an imperishable crown.
Questions for Reflection:
- How often do I contemplate heaven?
- Do I think I can make it without carrying my cross after Jesus?
- Is my Lenten journey going deep or does it not cost me very much?