Homily – Second Sunday of Lent – 2026

SCROLL DOWN FOR CHILDREN’S LITURGY QUESTIONS

FATHER SIXMUND HENRY

Today, on this Second Sunday of Lent, the Church invites us to continue our journey of conversion with renewed trust in God. In the first reading, God calls Abram to leave behind what is familiar and to walk by faith toward a promise he cannot yet see. In the Gospel, we are taken up the mountain with Peter, James, and John, where Jesus is transfigured before them, revealing His glory and preparing them for the Cross. As we continue our Lenten journey, we are reminded that discipleship requires trust, courage, and the willingness to listen to God’s beloved Son. May this Eucharist strengthen our faith and help us to follow Christ more faithfully, even when the road leads through sacrifice toward glory.

The voice of the Father speaks from the cloud: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” These words are very important for us during Lent: Listen to Him.

Many times, we talk to God, but the question is; do we listen to Him? Maybe, we are busy. We are distracted with many things and we may follow our own ideas. Lent is a time to slow down and truly listen to Jesus. We listen through prayer, through reading the Bible, and through the teachings of the Church. Peter wanted to stay on the mountain. He said, “Lord, it is good that we are here.” He wanted to build three tents and remain in that beautiful moment. But Jesus did not allow them to stay there. They had to come down the mountain and continue the journey to Jerusalem. (The destination was not yet).

This teaches us something important. We all like moments of comfort and joy. We like when our faith feels very strong and everything goes well. But we cannot stay on the mountain. We must come down and face daily life — our responsibilities, our struggles, our families, our work, and even our problems. Real faith is not only about beautiful moments in church. It is about following Jesus every day, especially when life is difficult.

The Gospel also says that the disciples were afraid and fell to the ground. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” This is a very personal moment. Jesus does not leave them in fear. He touches them. He lifts them up. Maybe some of us are afraid — afraid of the future, afraid of sickness, afraid of failure, afraid of our sins. Jesus says to us today, “Do not be afraid.” He touches us through the sacraments, especially in the Eucharist and Confession. He gives us strength to stand up again.

So how can we change during this Lent? First, make time to truly listen to Jesus each day. Even five or ten minutes of silent prayer can change your heart. Second, accept your crosses with faith. Do not run away from every difficulty. Offer your struggles to God and trust that He is leading you to something greater. Third, allow Jesus to lift you up when you fall. Do not remain in sin or discouragement. Go to Confession. Begin again.

The Transfiguration reminds us that the Cross is not the end. After suffering comes resurrection. After sacrifice comes glory. If we stay close to Jesus during this Lent, He will also transform us. He will change our hearts. He will help us reflect His light in our families, our parish, and our community. May this Eucharist strengthen us to listen to Him, follow Him, and allow Him to transform us. Amen. 

CHILDREN’S LITURGY QUESTIONS

1. Did Jesus take Peter, James, and John up a high mountain? Yes
2. Did Moses and Elijah appear and speak with Jesus? Yes
3. Did Jesus’ face shine like the sun? Yes
4. Did Jesus’ clothes become black and dirty? No
5. Did Peter suggest making three tents? Yes
6. Did a bright cloud come over them? Yes
7. Did a voice come from the cloud? Yes
8. Did the voice say, “This is my beloved Son”? Yes
9. Did the voice say, “Do not listen to Him”? No
10. Did the disciples fall on their faces because they were afraid? Yes
11. Did the disciples laugh loudly during the vision? No
12. Did Jesus touch them and tell them not to be afraid? Yes
13. Did Jesus take all the apostles up the mountain? No
14. Did Jesus tell them to tell everyone immediately? No
15. Did Jesus tell them to keep it secret until He rose from the dead? Yes
16. Did Abraham appear with Jesus on the mountain? No
17. Did Elijah appear with Jesus on the mountain? Yes
18. Did the disciples see only Jesus when they looked up? Yes
19. Did the event happen in the temple in Jerusalem? No
20. Did Peter want to stay there with Jesus? Yes