Reflection: The Second Sunday in Lent 2026

 

        Touch that Fear Away:

The Second Sunday in Lent 2026 

March 1, 2026

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Genesis 12:1-4; Psalm 33; 2 Timothy 1:8-10; Matthew 17:1-9

 

We hear the Transfiguration account early in Lent even though it was one of the final episodes in the life of Jesus before he turned his attention to Jerusalem. The disciples had been progressively learning about his mission and they were brought into the inner circle of revelation on that mountain. For years, the disciples recognized Jesus as an interpreter and amender of God’s law and he spoke prophetic words in difficult situations. On this mountain, Jesus appears before Moses, the lawgiver, and Eliah, the great prophet, and God’s glory shines on the three of them. Then Moses and Elijah disappear, leaving only Jesus, who is elevated to be higher than the other two. Without any doubt, Peter, James, and John would rightly have been scared to death.  

 

The disciples fall in fear, and here is an amazing detail, “Jesus touches them.” It shows us that the glorified Christ is not distant or otherworldly. He remains involved. He remains interested in their lives. He remains connected to their humanity. He never ceases to be a human with great emotions and feelings. He calls them to something greater. He says, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” His consoling touch reassures them that they matter to him and he wants them to walk with him as be endures his Passion. 

 

The touch is also combined with the words of God, the Creator, who says, “This is my special one. Listen to him.” It tells us that we are to hear his words and then comply with his invitations and requests. We often do not like the words “to obey,” so maybe we can update them to observe, conform, abide by, defer to, or follow. Notice that Jesus never tells us to worship him. We do not feel simply inspired by him or to admire him. We conform our lives to his own. He never says, “Adore me.” He asks us to listen to his words and rightly act upon them. That is obedience. 

 

So what are the words we are to hear from him today? Do not be afraid. He knows that fear is not faith. Fear keeps us bound to ourselves and wrapped up in our own interpretations of suffering. Fear keeps us looking at our uncertainty or lack of control or power. Fear shrinks when trust grows. The disciples have to walk back down that mountain where they will enter further misunderstanding and suffering and they will eventually have to face the cross. They glimpsed the glory of Jesus, which will help them confront the brutality of the cross. They were asked to rise and go forward. 

We are to follow the example of the disciples as we rise in the face of fear and go onward. We can realize that we are not alone in our trials and tribulations. In the age of the Resurrection, the glorified Christ remains close and wants to touch our pain and suffering and to share our joys and laughter. The glory of Christ is there for our benefit and encouragement. It is the hope to go on for another day knowing that the voice from heaven, the touch of Jesus is one of loving concern. Likewise, we may not be able to see what others see about us. We may not see that our lives testify to the Transfigured one. We may not see that our lives are ones of fidelity when we accept the invitations of God. We may not be able to see what others see – that we are radiant - shining like the sun.