On the Second Sunday of Lent, we hear the Gospel of the Transfiguration. Like Peter, we would like to stay on the mountain, but we know, as Jesus did that we must leave the mountain to carry out the work he has entrusted to our care. Every Eucharistic liturgy sends us forth to do the work of God in our world as citizens of his Kingdom. Transfigured by the real presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist, we go forth in the Spirit to feed our families, neighbors and friends – all those people God places in our lives.

As I look back on my life, I know so many people, both living and dead, have had a powerful impact on me, making me the person I am today. As part of my Lenten journey, I usually write a letter of thanks to one person who has changed my life for the better, who has led me to a deeper faith, hope and love. I invite each of us, on this Transfiguration Sunday, to do the same. It might be a parent, grandparent, husband, wife, teacher, family member, relative, brother or sister or a friend or neighbor. Offer a prayer for that special person and if you can send them a note of thanks for the ways they transfigured you.

Several years ago, I wrote to Sister Helena, a Sister of Mercy, who taught me in seventh and eighth grades. She was one of the finest math teachers I ever had, but she was also one on the kindest people I ever met. One day, in the middle of a math exam, I looked up to see her slip a piece of candy in her mouth. The rule, then, at least for us as students, was if we were caught with candy, we had to bring some for everybody the next day. When I saw her eat that Hershey’s kiss, I blurted out, “Sister, did you bring enough for everybody?” Her response was simple, “be quiet, Peter and finish your test.” The next day we all found a Hershey’s Kiss on our desks. She was a woman of faith and integrity, a friend and mentor who helped form my vocation as a priest.  We lost Sister Helena early this year, but at her wake, over 70 of her students were present to share their stories.

These stories told of a woman who, when my father was on strike for nine months, saw to it that my family did not go without food. She organized a food drive on our behalf. Another student told a story of how Sister Helena helped her parents pay her book bill of $25.00 per year because they had hit hard times. Another person related how Sister Helena came and sat with her ill mother so she could take some time for herself. The stories were endless.
 
We all have those people in our lives, people who transfigured us in the love of Christ through their prayers, love and support. Come down from the mountain and offer thanks for one of those wonderful gifts of God in your life.
 
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! May we all be blessed in the Love of God and our love for one another.