From Father JURCAK's Perspective

On this Second Sunday of Lent, we find ourselves standing with Peter, James, and John as they accompany Jesus up the mountain of the Transfiguration. Although they had known Jesus for quite some time, they must have been utterly surprised by what they witnessed. What began as an ordinary hike ended in a way no one could have imagined. Suddenly and unexpectedly, Jesus' face shone like the sun and his clothes became dazzling white. In that radiant moment, these trusted friends learned something new and profound about the one they followed so closely – Jesus is the beloved Son of God.

The voice from heaven does more than reveal Jesus' identity; it strengthens and reaffirms him in the path he is walking. A path that will soon lead toward Jerusalem and the cross. Today's Gospel is a gentle reminder that God's voice still speaks into our lives. In the quiet of prayer, in the love of family, in the support of this community, God echoes the same truth spoken on the mountain, "You are my beloved." Each day, the Lord affirms His love for us, celebrates who we are, and calls us to become more fully the sons and daughters He created us to be. As we continue our Lenten journey together, may we listen more closely to that voice and allow it to transform us.

Here are a few invitations to help you deepen your walk with the Lord this Lent. Consider joining those who faithfully gather for the 9:00 am morning Mass Monday through Friday. Beginning the day with the Eucharist strengthens us for whatever lies ahead and unites our daily sacrifices to Christ's perfect offering.

Our Lenten Taizé Prayer is this Tuesday evening, March 3, at 7:30 pm in the church. This candlelit service offers simple, meditative chants, a proclamation of the Gospel, intercessions, and sacred periods of reflective silence. In the quiet glow of candlelight, we allow the Lord to speak to our hearts beyond words, calming our anxieties and renewing our trust in His mercy. If you find yourself longing for deeper inner peace this Lent, I encourage you to come and rest awhile in prayer, song, and silence with our parish family.

You might also think about celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Monday evenings from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, during Eucharistic Adoration. The Diocesan Evening of Confession is this Wednesday, March 4, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Confession is not simply about acknowledging our sins; it is a beautiful encounter with the mercy of Jesus, who never tires of forgiving us and restoring our peace.

Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the church every Thursday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Spending time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament is truly spending time with Jesus, who waits for you and delights in your presence. Even a few quiet moments can bring grace, clarity, and renewed strength.

When you find yourself driving by the church, consider stopping in for a few minutes of personal prayer and reflection. The church is normally open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am until after the 4:30 pm Mass, and Sunday from 7:00 am until after the 5:30 pm Mass. The doors are open because the Lord's heart is open. May this Lenten season be a time of grace for you and your family. Let us walk together toward Easter, listening to Christ, trusting in His mercy, and allowing His light to transform our hearts.

I ask you to be very intentional in praying for our Elect as they move closer to the celebration of the Easter Vigil. During the Easter Season, forty-four individuals from among us will celebrate the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, and some will be received into the full communion of the Church. What a grace this is for them – and for all of us. In their desire to give their lives more fully to Christ, we are reminded of our own baptismal call. Their witness gently invites each of us to renew our hearts in the Lord Jesus and to deepen our love for Him. As you pray for our Elect, I also encourage you to lift up in prayer your family members and friends who may be struggling in their commitment to Christ or who find it difficult to live their faith publicly. May our prayer, encouragement, and example help lead them closer to the Lord.

Finally, I am deeply grateful to everyone who participated in our Parish Lenten Mission last week. It was a joy to see such a strong turnout from across our parish family on all three evenings. We were richly blessed by the preaching of Friar Johnpaul Cafiero, OFM, who challenged us to embrace more fully the universal call to holiness – a call given to each one of us by virtue of our baptism. His words were both encouraging and convicting, reminding us that holiness is lived in the ordinary moments of daily life. Thanks to Lisa Davidson and Michael Schwark, along with all who assisted them behind the scenes, for their generous dedication to the many details required to make the Mission such a meaningful experience. It was a beautiful and prayerful way to begin our Lenten journey together.