The Glory of God is Man Fully Alive

Reflection Date: March 1, 2026 | Second Sunday of Lent
Daily Readings: Genesis 12:1-4a; 2 Timothy 1:8b-10; Matthew 17:1-9

Children of God:
One of the earliest Church Fathers who was deeply fascinated by the Transfiguration of Jesus was Saint Irenaeus. 

Living in the second century, he reflected on how Christ revealed the fullness of humanity. 

Saint Irenaeus defended the faith against heresies that denied the true humanity of Jesus. 

For him, the Incarnation and the Transfiguration showed that God did not reject the human body but glorified it. 

He is known for the powerful dictum, “Gloria Dei vivens homo.” 

The glory of God is man fully alive. 

This statement means a human being radiant with God’s life and grace. 

For Irenaeus, the shining face of Christ on the mountain was a preview of what redeemed humanity looks like.

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. 

He was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. 

Moses and Elijah appeared, speaking with him. 

A voice declared, “This is my beloved Son… listen to him” (Matthew 17:5). 

When they looked up, they saw no one else but Jesus alone (Matthew 17:8). 

The glory revealed on the mountain prepared them for the scandal of the cross that would soon follow.

What are our inspirations for today?

First, fully living according to God’s purpose.

The disciples had seen Jesus daily, tired from walking and dusty from the road. 

On the mountain, however, they had seen him radiant and glorious. 

Lent invites us to examine whether we are merely surviving or truly living. 

Many people function, work, and exist, yet feel spiritually drained. 

The Transfiguration reminds us that in Christ, humanity does not shrink but shines.

Today, we are invited to allow God’s grace to awaken what is dormant within us. 

To be fully alive is to forgive, to hope, to love deeply, and to trust boldly. The glory of God becomes visible when our lives reflect his light.

Second, faith that stands up.

When the voice spoke from the cloud, the disciples fell down in fear. 

The divine presence overwhelmed them. Yet Jesus approached, touched them, and said, “Rise, and do not be afraid.”

The movement in the story was from paralysis to courage. They did not remain on the ground forever. They stood up because Jesus touched them.

Today, we are invited to rise from whatever keeps us down. Fear, guilt, doubt, and discouragement can keep us bowed low. 

But the same Christ who touched the disciples now invites us to stand in faith and walk in renewed courage.

As we reflect, we ask ourselves: In what areas of my life am I only surviving instead of truly living? What fears keep me bowed down when Christ is asking me to rise? How can I listen more attentively to the beloved Son in this season of Lent?

Children of God:
The mountain of Transfiguration reveals to the disciples what humanity looks like when united with God. 

They had glimpsed the destiny that awaits those who follow Christ. 

Lent is a time to remember that we are created for glory, not mediocrity. 

Saint Irenaeus reminds us that God is glorified when we are fully alive. To be fully alive is to be fully rooted in Christ. 

As we continue our Lenten path, may we rise from fear and walk toward transformation. May the light of the Transfigured Lord shine through our words and actions.