2nd Sunday of Lent

by Fr. Long Phi Nguyen, SVD  |  02/27/2026  |  Sunday Written Reflection

A few years ago, I stood at the summit of Whistler Mountain in British Columbia, Canada, and that moment has stayed with me. After the long ascent, the world below seemed to fall away. The air grew thinner, the noise faded, and for a brief moment everything felt still. The landscape stretched out in every direction, reminding me how small I am, yet how gently held within something greater than myself. In that quiet, I learned that when we rise above the noise, we begin to see more clearly.

In today’s Gospel, the disciples experience something far greater on another mountain. There, Jesus is transfigured before them—His face shining, His garments dazzling—and in that moment of awe the Father speaks words that reveal the heart of our faith: “This is my beloved Son… listen to him.” The Transfiguration is not simply a display of glory; it is a call to attention. Lent brings us to this mountain so that, like Peter, James, and John, we may learn again whose voice must guide our lives.

This Lenten Season is a time to practice that listening. Our world today is filled with noise—endless opinions, constant updates, and pressures pulling us in every direction. Still, the Father’s command remains: Listen to him. Not passively or half-heartedly, but with an open and attentive heart that allows Christ’s voice to shape our choices, our relationships, and our priorities.

We listen to Him when we sit with Scripture instead of rushing past it, when we make time for quiet prayer, when we receive the Eucharist with reverence, and when we follow the gentle voice of conscience. We listen to Him when we notice those who are suffering, overlooked, or lonely, and respond with compassion. Every small act of mercy becomes a way of saying, “Lord, I hear you.”

On the mountain, the disciples fall in fear. But Jesus comes, touches them, and says, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” When we truly listen to Him, He lifts us up and leads us forward. So this Lent, let us climb the inner mountain as a community. Let us create moments of silence in our homes, in our parish, and in our hearts. Let us choose one concrete way each day to listen to Jesus—and to follow what we hear. And may His light guide our steps, now and always. Amen.

Fr. Long Phi Nguyen, SVD, Pastor