Last Sunday, we were with Jesus in the desert. In the Bible, a desert represents a place of hardship and trouble, and indeed, Jesus encounters challenges there when he faces temptations. Today, Jesus takes us to the mountain. In biblical terms, a mountain is considered a place where God descends to meet His people.

It was on Mount Sinai that God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. Jesus delivered His first teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. He often withdrew to the mountains at night to pray. He was crucified on Mount Calvary and ascended to heaven from the Mount of Olives. Today, we witness the Transfiguration of Jesus before His apostles on Mount Tabor.

The vision of the Transfiguration was never meant to be a permanent dwelling place. It served as a glimpse of God’s glory, meant to sustain both Jesus and His disciples for the journey ahead. This journey leads straight down the mountain and into the valley — a path that takes them along the dusty roads of Galilee, through the hostility of Jerusalem, and ultimately to the hill of Calvary, where Jesus was crucified.

Thus, the Transfiguration was meant to strengthen Jesus for His Passion and, more importantly, to fortify the disciples. When they witnessed His arrest and crucifixion, they would not lose hope. They would remember the shining light and God’s affirming voice: “This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.” They would recall that the suffering they observed was temporary.

This is the message for us on the second Sunday of Lent. We all experience our mountaintop moments with God — times of consolation, clarity, and peace. These are precious moments, but we cannot live on the mountaintop. The Christian life is primarily lived in the valley — amidst the daily grind of work, family, and our own small sacrifices. It is a life filled with our fears and the world’s brokenness.

The Transfiguration serves as a reminder that the glory of God is our real destiny. However, the path to that glory passes through the cross. So, when we find ourselves in the valley, when the light seems dim, and the path becomes challenging, we should remember the “mountain.” In our tough moments, we should remember that we follow the Beloved Son, and when we listen to Him, He will guide us through the valley. He will lead us through the cross to the everlasting light of Easter. Amen.