“The Saviour’s Transfiguration,” icon. Ab. 1403, State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow. Author unknown (until recently it was believed that the icon was painted by Theophanes the Greek). Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Each year the ancient Christian practice of a penitential season in preparation for Holy Week and Easter becomes an integral part of our spiritual journey. The forty-day period follows the pattern established by Moses, Elijah and Jesus, without the same rigor of their fast!
This year Pope Francis continues to draw attention to the synodal process of the universal Church in preparation for the Synod of Bishops in October 2023 and 2024.The message focuses on the Synoptic Gospel account of the Transfiguration of Jesus before Peter, James and John on a high mountain in Galilee. It provides much food for thought.