15/02/2026
SUNDAY NEXT BEFORE LENT
HOMILY
BY: REV. FR. FRANK OWUSU
Theme: “Beholding God’s Glory, Prepared for the Journey of Lent”
Introduction
Beloved in Christ, today’s readings, on this Sunday before Lent, draw our attention to the glory of God, a glory that both reveals God’s holiness and prepares God’s people for obedience, suffering, and transformation. Before the Church enters the discipline of Lent, the lectionary invites us to see clearly who God is and who we are called to become.
*The Holy God Who Calls Us Up the Mountain* (Exodus 24:12–end)
In the reading from Exodus, Moses is summoned by God to ascend Mount Sinai. This is not a casual invitation. Moses is called into the presence of divine holiness, where the glory of the Lord appears as a consuming fire on the mountain.
Here, we learn an important truth: God’s glory is not entertainment; it is revelation. Moses does not climb the mountain to feel inspired but to receive the law, instruction that will shape Israel’s life and worship. Notice also that Moses waits patiently for six days before God speaks. This teaches us that encounter with God requires reverence, patience, and obedience.
As we approach Lent, the Church reminds us that God’s holiness calls us upward away from distraction, sin, and complacency into deeper communion and disciplined living.
*The Lord Reigns in Holiness* (Psalm 99)
Psalm 99 proclaims, “The Lord is king; let the peoples tremble.” This psalm celebrates God as enthroned in holiness, exalted above all nations. God’s holiness is not distant or oppressive; it is just, faithful, and merciful.
The psalm recalls Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, leaders who stood in God’s presence and interceded for the people. This shows us that holiness and mercy belong together. A holy God listens, forgives, and guides His people.
For the Church, this psalm calls us to worship rightly. True worship recognizes God’s holiness and responds with humility, obedience, and trust. Lent will soon invite us to examine our lives, not in fear, but in reverent awe before a holy and merciful God.
*The Glory We Have Seen Is Not a Myth (2 Peter* 1:16–end)
In the epistle, Peter insists that the apostolic faith is not based on clever stories. He speaks as an eyewitness of Christ’s majesty. The Transfiguration was not imagination; it was divine revelation.
Peter reminds the Church that the voice from heaven confirmed Jesus as God’s beloved Son. This gives authority to Christian faith and hope. Our belief is grounded in God’s action in history, not human invention.
As Lent approaches, this assurance is crucial. The disciplines of fasting, prayer, and repentance are meaningful because they are directed toward the living Christ, whose glory has been revealed and whose word is trustworthy.
*The Transfigured Christ and the Way of the Cross* (Matthew 17:1–9)
In the Gospel, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. There, He is transfigured. His face shines, and His clothes become dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear, representing the Law and the Prophets, bearing witness that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s saving plan.
The voice from the cloud declares: “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him.” These words are central. The disciples are not told to build tents or remain on the mountain. They are told to listen to Jesus.
Importantly, this moment of glory comes just before Jesus begins His journey to the cross. The Transfiguration strengthens the disciples for the coming suffering. Glory does not remove the cross; it gives meaning and hope within it.
*Conclusion* :
Beloved in Christ, today we are given a vision of God’s glory so that we may walk faithfully through the valley ahead. Lent will call us to repentance, self-denial, and deeper prayer. But we do not walk blindly. We walk having seen the glory of Christ.
Let us enter Lent listening to Jesus, trusting His word, and allowing His glory to transform us not only on the mountain, but in our daily lives. May the holy God who reveals His glory also renew our hearts, through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
