Pastor's Message - March 1 , 2026
My dear friends in Christ,
40 Days of Lent: Discovering the Quietness of the Desert
My dear friends in Christ,
What a powerful, transforming, and grace-filled Parish Lenten Mission we have just experienced! My heart is filled with gratitude. I extend my sincere thanks to the members of our Pastoral Council, the Media Ministry, our sacristans, and the many generous hands who worked behind the scenes throughout these three days. Your dedication and love for our parish made this mission a beautiful encounter with the Lord.
I pray that all who attended were inspired — by the words proclaimed, the music offered, the witness of faith shared, and the spirit of prayer that united us. May the seeds planted in our hearts continue to grow.
The Gospel account of the Transfiguration in Matthew reminds us of a profound “mountaintop” moment in the lives of Peter, James, and John. As Jesus prayed, His face changed in appearance and His clothing became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared beside Him — great figures of the Law and the Prophets — and in that radiant moment the disciples beheld the glory of Christ, the beloved Son in whom the Father is well pleased.
It was surely a “WOW” moment — a moment of awe, peace, and overwhelming beauty. Peter, speaking for them all, said, “Master, it is good that we are here!” He even wanted to build tents and remain there. Who wouldn’t? When we encounter God so clearly, we long to stay in that place forever.
Yet the Transfiguration was not the destination. It was preparation.
In our own lives, we too experience “mountaintop” moments — times of clarity, joy, healing, and spiritual renewal. Our Lenten Mission was one of those moments. But as tempting as it is to remain in that comfort and light, discipleship calls us to descend the mountain. Jesus leads us back into the valleys of daily life — where there is suffering, sacrifice, uncertainty, and the call to love more deeply.
Our Eucharistic celebration is itself a mountaintop experience — a true moment of transfiguration. In every Mass, we glimpse God’s glory and encounter His living presence. It is good for us to be here. But the Mass does not end with comfort; it begins with mission. We are sent forth.
Our Christian journey is not about remaining in our comfort zone. It is about carrying the light of Christ into the world. We walk with Him not only in glory but also on the road to the Cross — trusting that true joy and fulfillment are found through love that sacrifices.
One concrete way we live this out during Lent is through almsgiving. Love of God must be expressed in love of neighbor. Have we become a source of joy for those we meet? Love is not merely a feeling — it is action. It is sharing our time, our talents, and our treasures. It is choosing generosity over indifference, compassion over comfort.
Peter, James, and John eventually went down the mountain with Jesus and followed Him toward Jerusalem. At first, they longed for Easter without Good Friday. But they would come to understand that the glory of the Resurrection is inseparable from the sacrifice of the Cross.
May the grace we received during our Lenten Mission strengthen us to walk faithfully with Christ — down the mountain, through the cross, and toward the joy that awaits.
In Christ’s love and peace,
Fr. Geoffrey
