February 27, 2021
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we read the
Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Lent, we must chuckle in sympathy with Jesus’ disciples. In Mark’s version of Jesus’ Transfiguration, Simon Peter, James, and John follow Jesus Christ up a mountain, where his clothing becomes dazzlingly white. To make the event even more disorienting, Moses and Elijah the prophet appear alongside Jesus and converse with him. It is no wonder that the only overture Peter can muster is to offer to set up tents for the three great men before him – an action that might help him busy his hands while processing what had just happened.
While the group comes down the mountain, Jesus implores his disciples not to tell anyone what they have witnessed until he has risen from the dead. Perhaps like us, the disciples keep the events to themselves but ponder what Jesus means. They have not had the benefit of knowing the events of the Passion and Death of their teacher. But with hindsight, we do.
In the
Background on the Gospel Reading from Loyola Press,
we learn that Jesus’ Transfiguration is an anticipation of the glory of his resurrection. This Lent, we must first remember and reflect on the events leading up to and culminating in the crucifixion of our Lord. Only then can we truly rejoice in his glorious Resurrection.
On a separate note, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Fr. Ted Hegnauer, the former pastor at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Washington DC, who arrived Friday and will be in residence at our parish for a few months. Fr. Ted will be helping us celebrate Mass and will be hearing Confessions. If you see him, please welcome him warmly.
I wish you all a blessed week and a peaceful start to this second week of Lent.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John
Here are the parish events for Saturday, February 27; Sunday, February 28; and Monday, March 1:
Saturday, February 27:
Sunday, February 28:
Monday, March 1: