Preparing for Lent: How 2 Corinthians Can Prepare Us

As we mark the celebration of Transfiguration Sunday, we find ourselves standing on the threshold of a pivotal moment in the church year. This day—when Jesus revealed divine glory on the mountaintop to Peter, James, and John—marks not only a peak of spiritual illumination but also a transition. We are transitioning from the revelations of Jesus' teachings to the more somber path of the crucifixion, which will soon unfold as we enter Lent and ultimately approach Holy Week.

The Transfiguration moment serves as a clear pivot in Jesus' ministry. For the disciples, the dazzling light and the voice of God declaring, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” (Luke 9:35) were moments of glory, but they were also moments of revelation about the deeper journey ahead. This was not the culmination of discipleship, but rather, a preparation for what was to come. After this high moment, the disciples would descend from the mountain and begin to grasp that following Jesus would not just mean basking in glory, but would involve a journey of suffering, sacrifice, and the ultimate victory of the cross.

In reflecting on 2 Corinthians 3:12—4:2, we see how this concept of transition is echoed in Paul’s words. He contrasts the fading glory of the old covenant with the transformative, enduring glory of the new covenant. As believers, we are invited to remove the veil and behold the fullness of God's glory, a glory that brings transformation. However, this transformation is not just for our comfort; it calls us to live boldly and with integrity, even when the path of discipleship becomes difficult. Paul challenges us to live transparently, to renounce deceptive ways, and to share the truth plainly with others.

Three Key Action Steps as We Approach Lent:

1. Reflect on Divine Glory in Our Lives
   During the Transfiguration, the disciples were given a glimpse of divine glory in a powerful, transformative way. As we prepare for Lent, we can take time to reflect on the moments when God’s glory has been evident in our lives. This reflection isn’t just about celebrating mountaintop experiences; it’s about seeing how God’s presence has been with us in both the highs and lows. Spend time in prayer, considering how God has been revealed to you—perhaps in an unexpected way—and how that glory continues to transform you as you journey through life.

2. Live with Integrity and Boldness
   In Paul’s letter, he emphasizes the importance of living truthfully and with integrity, renouncing hidden motives or deceit. As we transition into the season of Lent, this is a time to examine how we might be "veiling" ourselves—whether through avoidance, half-truths, or hiding from hard realities. The season of Lent invites us into honesty with God and with each other. This is a call to live more transparently, especially when it comes to sharing the good news. Reflect on areas where you might be holding back the truth or hiding behind a "veil" and commit to removing that veil in the days ahead. It’s a bold act of discipleship to live authentically, even when it’s uncomfortable.

3. Prepare for the Cost of Discipleship
   The Transfiguration marked a moment of glory, but it was immediately followed by the reality of the cross. As we prepare for Lent, it’s important to acknowledge that following Jesus requires sacrifice. The Transfiguration wasn’t the end of the journey; it was the beginning of the hard road toward Jerusalem, where the ultimate cost of discipleship would unfold. As we prepare for Holy Week, ask yourself: What am I willing to give up or step into for the sake of following Jesus more fully? Perhaps it’s an attitude, a habit, or a comfort. Lent is a time to intentionally reflect on the cost of discipleship and take practical steps to align ourselves more closely with the suffering and resurrection of Christ.

Preparing for Lent as a Season of Transformation

Just as the Transfiguration invited the disciples to witness the glory of Christ before embarking on the difficult journey to the cross, Lent calls us to embrace both the glory and the cost of discipleship. It’s a season where we are invited to look inward, reflect on how we’ve been transformed by God’s grace, and prepare our hearts for the deep journey of Holy Week. The glory of God—revealed on the mountaintop and in our own lives—compels us to live boldly, truthfully, and sacrificially, following Jesus wherever the journey leads, even to the cross.