Second Sunday of Advent 2026

The Gospel of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–9) given on the Second Sunday of Lent reveals Christ allowing His divine glory to shine through His humanity so that the Apostles might be strengthened before the scandal of the Cross. As the Vulgate says, “transfiguratus est ante eos” — He was transfigured before them — not by becoming something new, but by revealing the divine majesty that was always His. With Moses and Elijah representing the Law and the Prophets, and the voice of the Father declaring, “Hic est Filius meus dilectus… ipsum audite” (“This is my beloved Son… hear Him”), the event proclaims that Christ is the fulfillment of all revelation and the true authority over the Church. For the faithful during Lent, the Transfiguration teaches that moments of divine light are given to strengthen us for the trials of life, reminding clergy, bishops, and laity alike that the path to glory passes through sacrifice, penance, and fidelity to Christ—even when the Church appears hidden or suffering—because beyond the Cross awaits the same eternal glory revealed on Mount Tabor.