After more than two years of traveling together, the Lord shared a revelation that shattered the disciples' expectations. He spoke plainly of the looming shadow: his impending suffering and execution in Jerusalem. For the disciples, who viewed their journey as an exciting, dream-like adventure, this news was devastating. Yet, the challenge grew even steeper when He revealed the cost of continued discipleship—denying themselves and carrying their own crosses. As you can imagine, the disciples were bewildered, discouraged, and fearful of the future. Then the Transfiguration occurs. It was not just a miracle; it was a divine infusion of hope and strength designed to sustain the disciples before the crushing weight of the cross became a reality.

The Lord led Peter, James, and John away from the crowds to the summit of a high mountain. In the biblical tradition, climbing a mountain is going to meet God echoing Moses’ journey into the desert heights to meet the Lord. High above the world, these three witnessed the glory of God revealed in the person of His Son.

Among the many roles the Lord fulfills in our lives, He is our greatest source of encouragement. When the burden of our personal crosses becomes nearly impossible to carry, He provides the strength and hope we need to persevere. His divine support flows to us through two main channels: the manifest power of His divinity and the enduring promise of His words.

The Lord first strengthens us through the revelation of His divinity. Our personal "ascent to the mountain" is found in the practice of prayer. It is in these quiet heights that the Lord reveals His power, speaking directly to our doubts, fears, and seasons of suffering. While our daily prayer is the path we climb to find His consolation, the Eucharist remains the summit. In this sacrament, His divinity is perfectly unveiled, providing the ultimate encouragement for our journey.

Beyond His divine presence, the Lord sustains us through His Word. St. Matthew captures this pivotal moment: “While [Peter] was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; listen to him.’” These words are our source of hope. When we immerse ourselves in the Gospels, we hear the Father’s affirmation and the Son’s guidance. By consistently listening to and reflecting on Holy Scripture, we find the courage to face any trial.

The Church places the Gospel of the Transfiguration at the very start of Lent to encourage us in the journey of conversion. Our sins and vices can feel like heavy, persistent crosses that threaten to overwhelm us with discouragement. Perhaps some of us are going through a difficult time in our lives, but the Lord comes today to encourage us all. We encounter Him most powerfully in the "ascent" of prayer—especially here at Holy Mass—where we can lay down our burdens and receive His comfort and support. 

After this divine revelation, the three apostles eventually had to descend from the mountain and return to the company of the other disciples. They returned to a world of heavy realities—to the looming shadow of Jerusalem and the impending suffering of their Lord. Yet, they did not descend as they had ascended; they now carried the unshakable certainty of the Lord’s glory. This vision was their anchor, allowing them to face the weight of the cross without losing hope.

We journey in the same way. After encountering the Lord in the Eucharist and the stillness of prayer, we return to the "valleys" of our daily lives. Though our crosses remain, they are made lighter by His divine presence and His saving Word. We move forward in hope, knowing that those who place their trust in Him will never be disappointed.

Let us humbly ask the Lord for the grace to turn toward Him, opening our hearts to receive the encouragement only He can provide.