04/03/2026
Second Sunday of Lent
1 March 2026
Fr Ronerโs homily on the Transfiguration centers on the idea that faith must transform our lives, not remain at the level of routine religious practice. He challenges believers to reflect on whether their devotions , prayers, novenas, Mass attendance, and other practices , truly bring them closer to Jesus and to one another. Devotions are not meant to be empty rituals or emotional moments; they are living expressions of faith that should deepen our personal relationship with God and strengthen our unity as a community. If after years of prayer and church attendance we have not grown in humility, patience, forgiveness, and love, then we must ask whether we are truly allowing Christ to change our hearts.
At the heart of the Transfiguration is the Fatherโs command: โThis is my beloved Sonโฆ listen to Him.โ Fr Roner emphasizes that listening is more than simply hearing words. In the biblical sense, listening means trusting, obeying, and allowing Jesusโ teachings to shape our actions and decisions. Many people hear the Gospel, but true discipleship requires obedience and visible change. Faith must move from the ears to the heart and into daily life.
He also reflects on Peterโs desire to remain on the mountain, where the experience of glory was comforting and beautiful. However, Jesus leads the disciples back down into ordinary life, where suffering and the Cross await. This teaches that faith is not about staying in moments of spiritual comfort. We are strengthened by encounters with God so that we can face lifeโs challenges with courage. The Transfiguration prepares the disciples for the Passion, reminding them that suffering is not the end, resurrection and glory follow.
Ultimately, the homily calls believers to examine their faith honestly. Are we truly listening to Jesus? Are our devotions shaping our character and drawing us closer as a community? The Transfiguration reveals that Jesus is not merely a prophet but the beloved Son of God, worthy of trust even when life is difficult. True faith means following Him down the mountain, living the Gospel daily, and trusting that Godโs glory will prevail beyond every struggle.
-Anna Dela Peรฑa
