By Sister Catherine Cleary, OSB

Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. …

A voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified.  But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Do not be afraid.” (Mt 17:1-9)

Jesus tells us not to be afraid … but that’s the very thing we excel at.

We fear our money won’t hold out … our health will fail … a commitment will hamstring us … something we care deeply about won’t go the way we desperately need it to.

How many times in a day, a week, an hour do we have these fears?

What will it take for our faith to grow to such a deep place in our heart and in our psyche to believe – and act on that belief – that all decisions are solved by listening to Jesus?

Do not be afraid.

Lent is a special time set aside by the church to pray and to meditate on the life and teachings of Jesus.

We want to become like his apostles who listened, who followed, and who prayed with Jesus.

Today, go to the mountain with Jesus. Ask him for help with your questions … but don’t do all the talking! Be quiet, so you can listen. Let your fears dissipate … and let your heart fill with peace.