March 1, 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, This Sunday’s Gospel tells the story of the Transfiguration: the moment when Jesus went to pray upon a mountaintop with his three closest friends, and those disciples had a vision of Jesus’ true identity. Reflecting on the story this week in light of our Lenten observances, I think it’s a good opportunity to talk about prayer: specifically, how prayer changes things. First, prayer changes our perspective: by taking the focus off ourselves and looking toward God’s perspective, we become aware of how his presence is all around us. This is true even when we don’t receive an immediate or obvious answer to a prayer request—having the confidence of entrusting everything to God. Second, prayer changes us: when we entrust our needs to God, and when we listen carefully for his voice, we become the sort of people that the Gospel calls us to be. Seeing the world as God sees it—with love, with mercy—allows us to live the life of the Beatitudes, transfigured by the working of the Spirit. Third, prayer changes the world: we call God all-powerful for a reason! And through prayer, he allows us to participate in his plans. People with the confidence of God’s children, who have been transformed by an encounter with him, will make the greatest possible difference for those around them. So with all that, I think this weekend is a good time for each of us to commit to deeper prayer this Lent. If you’ve already carved out some space in your schedule (maybe by fasting from a favorite activity), prayer is just the thing to put in its place. As we’re sustained by the continual prayers of Blessed Mary Ever-Virgin and St. Thomas, let’s ourselves become people of deeper prayer. God bless,

Father Jantz