In the Gospel of the Transfiguration, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where His face shines like the sun and His garments become dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear beside Him, and the Father’s voice declares: “This is my beloved Son… listen to Him.” This moment of glory was not meant to avoid suffering, but to prepare the disciples for it. They had to descend the mountain and follow Jesus towards the Cross. Lent is our own ascent of the mountain. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we draw closer to Christ. Yet we cannot remain in moments of spiritual comfort. We must return to the realities of daily life.
In Nigeria today, many face economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and social division. Fear and frustration tempt us to despair. But the Transfiguration reminds us that suffering does not have the final word. The voice of the Father still speaks: “Listen to Him.” Amid political noise, social tension, and competing promises, Christ calls us to integrity, justice, forgiveness, and unity. True national transformation begins with converted hearts. When the disciples fell in fear, Jesus touched them and said, “Rise, and have no fear.” These words speak powerfully to our nation. Christ does not deny our struggles, but He strengthens us to endure them with hope.
This Lent, let us allow the Lord to transfigure our hearts—purifying our attitudes, renewing our faith, and deepening our charity. If each of us reflects the light of Christ, our families and communities will begin to change. After the Cross comes the Resurrection. May the light of the Transfigured Christ shine upon Nigeria and fill us with courage and hope.
• Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos.
