Today we celebrate the Transfiguration Of Our Lord. We will soon begin the Lenten Journey. Often Lent is abused. It has in certain times and places become a period of empty abstinence from tidbits of affluence, and the enjoyment of gloom of self-denial.

This is not the purpose of Lent. These 40 days should be a period of engagement with God, of repentance and prayer and a renewal of our baptismal vows. Lent looks towards God’s act in the cross and the resurrection. Lent is the opportunity to move within the shadows of the cross and let the heart be bathed with God’s love. Lent is a time to look toward the victory of Easter and the victory that is ours in Jesus Christ.

About a week after Jesus’ question, “But who do you say that I am?” and Peter’s confession, “The Christ of God,” Jesus go…