Reflection for the Second Sunday of Lent – March 1, 2026

Today, the Church leads us away from the desert of temptation and up to the heights of Mount Tabor. On this Second Sunday of Lent, we witness the Transfiguration, a moment where the veil is pulled back, and the radiance of God’s Mercy shines through the humanity of Jesus.

Leaving the Familiar: The Call of Abram

(Genesis 12:1-4)

Our journey begins with a radical departure. God tells Abram: “Leave your country, your family and your father’s house.” This is the first step of trust, letting go of the known to embrace a promise.

In the Diary of St. Faustina, Jesus echoes this call to spiritual “departure.” He asks us to leave behind our self-reliance and our “own country” of human reasoning to enter the land of His Mercy. St. Faustina wrote:

“My daughter, if I demand through you that people revere My mercy, you should be the first to distinguish yourself by this confidence in My mercy.” (Diary, 742)

Like Abram, St. Faustina had to “go as the Lord told her,” often into the unknown, trusting that He would make her life a blessing for “all the tribes of the earth” through the message of Divine Mercy.

The Shield of Hope

(Psalm 32:4-5, 18-20, 22)

The Responsorial Psalm today is the very heartbeat of the Divine Mercy devotee: “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.”

The Psalmist reminds us that God’s works are to be trusted and that He rescues souls from death. This mirrors the signature at the bottom of the Image of Divine Mercy: “Jesus, I trust in You.” St. Faustina noted that trust is the vessel by which we draw grace:

“The graces of My mercy are drawn by means of one vessel only, and that is—trust. The more a soul trusts, the more it will receive.” (Diary, 1578)

 

Strength for the Hardships

(2 Timothy 1:8-10)

St. Paul reminds Timothy to “bear the hardships for the sake of the Good News.” Holiness is not earned by our own merit but is a grace granted in Christ Jesus.

In her Diary, St. Faustina often spoke of the “hardships” of the soul—inner darkness, physical illness, and the weight of her mission. Yet, she found that the “Appearing of our Savior” (the focus of Paul’s letter) was her source of life and immortality. Jesus told her:

“Do not fear; I am with you.” (Diary, 1133)

This is the same “touch” Jesus gives the disciples on the mountain when they fall down in fear.

The Transfiguration: Listening to the Beloved

(Matthew 17:1-9)

On Mount Tabor, Jesus’ face “shone like the sun.” This light is not meant to blind us, but to enlighten us. The Father’s voice commands: “Listen to him.”

In the Diary, we see that “listening” to Jesus means more than just hearing words; it means entering into His Passion. Interestingly, while the Transfiguration is a moment of glory, Moses and Elijah were discussing Jesus’ departure (His Exodus) in Jerusalem.

St. Faustina experienced her own “Transfigurations”, moments of profound ecstasy, but they always led her back to the cross. She wrote:

“O my Jesus, transfigure me into Yourself, for You can do all things.” (Diary, 163)

Jesus’ command to “Stand up… do not be afraid” is the ultimate message of Divine Mercy. No matter how overwhelmed we are by the “bright cloud” of life’s mysteries, His touch restores us.

Today’s Saint: St. David of Wales (Dewi Sant)

(c. 500 – 589 AD)

Today we also celebrate St. David, the patron saint of Wales. A monk and bishop of great austerity, he founded many monasteries and was known for his teaching: “Be joyful, keep your faith, and do the little things.” 

St. David’s life was a testament to the “hidden life” and the “hardships” St. Paul mentions. Legend says that while he was preaching, the ground rose up to form a hill so everyone could hear him, and a white dove settled on his shoulder, a sign of the Holy Spirit.

Like the disciples on Mount Tabor, St. David was a man who “listened to Him” and became a channel of blessing for his entire nation. His final words to his followers, to do the “little things”, perfectly align with St. Faustina’s “Little Way” of practicing mercy in every moment.

Prayer for the Day:

Lord, as we journey through this Lent, transfigure our hearts. May we, like Abram, follow Your call; like St. David, find joy in the little things; and like St. Faustina, place all our trust in Your bottomless Mercy. Amen.

St Faustina – pray for us!

St David of Wales – Pray for us!

Jesus I trust in you!

Fiat!