Transfigured Lives, Transformed Parish: Becoming More Like Christ

In this Sunday’s Gospel, we encounter the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain. Peter, James and John witness something extraordinary. Jesus’ face shines like the sun and his clothes become dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear with him and the voice of the Father declares, “This is my Son, the Chosen One.  Listen to him.” It is a moment of   revelation. The disciples glimpse the glory of Christ and their understanding of him deepens. But they cannot remain on the mountain. Jesus leads them back down to continue their mission.

This Gospel is not only about Jesus revealing his glory. It is also about transformation. The disciples are changed by what they see and hear. They descend the mountain with a new awareness, ready to follow Christ more deeply. This is the invitation before us as a parish. Christ calls us to be transformed (most especially during Lent), both personally and as a community of faith.

We are not meant to stay as we are but to grow in holiness, in mission and in love for one another.

Have you ever gone to another church and felt like a complete stranger? Perhaps you weren’t greeted at the door, felt alone and left feeling like something was missing? I know I have. My hope for our parish is for every person who walks through the doors to feel a great sense of welcome, to feel loved and know they have a place here in our parish community. And this is everyone’s responsibility because “what you did to the least of my brothers you did to me”, says Jesus (Matthew 25:40).

Culture can be defined as the shared values of a group and continues over time, even as its members change. Culture is what we celebrate and what we tolerate. Changing the culture of a parish does not happen overnight. It begins with each of us making a decision to listen to Christ and respond with faith. It means renewing our commitment to prayer, to welcoming others and to serving those in need. It means seeing our parish not as something that exists for us alone (“me and Jesus”) but as a beacon of Christ’s light for the whole community (“we and Jesus”). The Transfiguration reminds us that the Church is meant to radiate the glory of Christ. When we live as disciples who are open to transformation, we reflect that light to the world.

A significant way we participate in this transformation is by supporting the mission of the Church. Our giving is not just about keeping the lights on or maintaining buildings. It is about making possible the work of formation & evangelisation (i.e Alpha, Lenten Mini Mission, bible studies, Prayer and fellowship groups) the investing in the youth (Kingdom Kids, Kingdom Youth Group, Young Adults), Service and Outreach (Rosies, St Vincent De Paul, Care for Creation Group, Pastoral Care Call Centre), and cultivating belonging for people of all ages with regular post-mass hospitality, just to mention a few things we do to continue the Mission of God in the world!

Peter wanted to build tents to stay in the glory of the moment, but Jesus calls us to something greater. We can’t stay on the mountaintop forever but need to bring that transfiguration moment to others for them to encounter Christ through our hospitality and generosity. He calls us to build his Church, not with tents but with living faith, active discipleship and generous hearts.

As we reflect on the Transfiguration, let us ask ourselves: How is Christ calling me to change? How can I be part of renewing our parish? How can I contribute to the mission of the Church with my time, my talents and my resources? When we open ourselves to transformation, we become part of God’s work in our midst. Our giving is not just an act of generosity but a response to God’s mission. Just as Jesus gave his life for this mission, we too are called to give of ourselves (our time, talent, treasure) in faith and love. Together, we can make our parish a place where Christ’s light shines brightly, drawing others into the beauty of his love.

Journey well this Lent and be transfigured into the image and likeness of Christ!

Peace and blessings, Fr Gerard.