A Moment To Pause: Lent - Sunday 1st March 2026

Good Morning. Thank you for joining all of the Oblate Family today for our time of reflection and prayer during Lent with Pat Hughes. Welcome to Sunday’s gospel reading of the Transfiguration from Matthew 17:1-9 This reading is filled with Old Testament references: Moses , who references the Law, and Elijah, who references the Prophets.. this incident also takes place up a mountain and a cloud symbolizes the presence of God. All this would not be lost on Peter, James and John. Moses and Elijah standing beside Jesus symbolizes that Jesus is their successor and has fulfilled both the Law and the Prophets. He is now bringing a new covenant from God for all people. God speaks and reassures the disciples that even though Jesus must suffer they must listen to Him and obey Him. Jesus touches the disciples and says “ Get up. Don’t be afraid”. He then commands them not to tell others of the transfiguration and that the time for this will be later , after his death and resurrection. While the disciples experience is glorious : “His face was shining like the sun”, it was only temporary. The disciples have to come down from the mountaintop to the ‘ valley’ of everyday life. By the touch of Jesus the disciples were able to rise above their fears , empowered by His presence. This passage serves as a bridge showing that suffering is not the end, but that glory follows, encouraging faith during difficult times.   Lord, we pray that we are not afraid, that we can rise above our doubts, our insecurities and know that Christ is the one who brings comfort and remains as our constant companion having sent us the Holy Spirit. Thank you for joining the Oblates on this Transfiguration Sunday.