Pastor's Note from Fr. Szparagowski 📝 - [Mar 1st Bulletin]

Dear St. Philip Neri Friends and Family,

We give praise and thanks to God for the graces and blessings He has given us!

The Second Sunday of Lent always lifts our eyes. Just as Lent begins with Jesus in the desert, it now brings us up a mountain. Today we hear the call of Abraham, the encouragement of St. Paul to Timothy, and the Transfiguration of the Lord. Each reading is about one thing: trusting God enough to move forward when we do not see the whole picture. In the first reading from the Book of Genesis, Abram hears a startling command: "Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk to a land that I will show you." Notice what God does not say. He does not hand Abram a map. He does not give him a timeline. He does not promise ease. God simply says, "Go." And Abram goes. Lent is like that. God calls us to leave something behind — a habit, a resentment, a comfort, a sin — and move toward something we cannot yet fully see. The Christian life is not about having all the answers. It is about trusting the One who calls us.

In the second reading, St. Paul tells Timothy: "Bear your share of hardship for the Gospel." The Christian journey is not an escape from suffering. It is a transformation of suffering. Paul reminds us that Christ has "destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light." The Cross is not the end of the story. God's Glory is.

And that is why the Gospel gives us the Transfiguration. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. There His face shines like the sun. His clothes become dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear. The glory of God bursts forth. Why does Jesus reveal this glory? Because Jesus knows what is coming. The disciples will soon see Him arrested, beaten, and crucified. Before they witness His suffering, He gives them a glimpse of His glory. Before the Cross, the light.

Peter, overwhelmed, says, "Lord, it is good that we are here." Of course it is! Who wouldn't want to stay in that moment? Who wouldn't want to build tents and remain in the light? But they cannot stay. They must come down the mountain. Lent reminds us that we cannot stay on the mountain either. We may have moments of clarity, moments of deep prayer, moments when God feels very close. But the Christian life is lived mostly in the valley — in daily responsibilities, struggles, misunderstandings, and sacrifices. Yet here is the key: Once you have seen the glory of Christ, everything changes.

And what about us? Every Mass is our mountain. Every Eucharist is a moment of transfiguration. We do not see dazzling light with our eyes, but by faith we behold something even greater — the living Christ. Having encountered Him here, we are sent back into the world strengthened by grace. Perhaps this Lent God is saying to us: Leave something behind. Trust me more deeply. Climb the mountain in prayer. Listen to my Son. Because that is the Father's command in the Gospel: "This is my beloved Son… listen to Him."

Brothers and sisters, Lent is about listening again. Not to the noise of the world. Not to our fears. But to Jesus, Our Good Shephard. So let us climb the mountain this Lent — through prayer, sacrifice, and trust — and allow the light of Christ to strengthen us for whatever valleys lie ahead.

Please invite someone to Mass today.

St. Philip Neri, pray for us. Have a blessed day,

Fr. Szparagowski