From The Pastor's Desk

Sunday, March 1 2026                                                                        Open This Week's Bulletin

On the First Sunday of Lent each year, we journey with Jesus into the desert. On this Second Sunday of Lent, the Church always leads us up a mountain. We move from temptation to transfiguration, from testing to glory.

In this Sunday’s Gospel from the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 17:1–9), Peter, James, and John witness the Transfiguration of the Lord. After Jesus’ first prediction of His Passion and His teaching on the cost of discipleship (Matthew 16:21–28), the disciples are given a glimpse of hope. They see that there is more to Jesus than what they can see, hear, and touch. His face shines like the sun; His garments become dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear—representing the Law and the Prophets—testifying that Jesus is their fulfillment.

A bright cloud overshadows them, and from that cloud comes the voice of the Father: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.”

This is a momentary glimpse into Christ’s divinity. The glory revealed on the mountain assures the apostles that the suffering to come will not be the end. His death will not defeat Him. It will inaugurate Eternal Life.

An important truth shines forth from the center of this mystery: Such sacred glimpses renew our inner peace, and even more, strengthen not only our minds and hearts, but also guide us toward eternal life. They orient us toward the saving promise of God.

We need hope. We need vision. We need to lift our eyes beyond the crosses we carry and remember that glory awaits.

In our first reading from Book of Genesis (Genesis 12:1–4a), Abram is called to leave what is familiar and trust in God’s promise. He steps forward in faith, not fully knowing the destination, but confident in the One who calls him. Lent calls us to do the same.

Lent is the time to listen—to look up to the glorified image of Christ in the midst of our own faith journeys: sometimes clear, sometimes clouded; sometimes embraced, sometimes ignored. Once again, we are invited to follow, to trust, and to accept our own call first to conversion—an interior rebirth and rediscovery—and then to transformation, bold witness, and action.

Three Ways to Grow from the Mystery of the Transfiguration This Lent:

1. Listen More Deeply. (Prayer)
    Set aside intentional time each day for prayer—not only speaking, but listening. Let prayer become a graced dialogue. Read the Sunday Gospel ahead of time. Sit quietly before the Blessed Sacrament. The Father’s command remains: “Listen to Him.”
   
   
2. Embrace the Cross with Purpose. (Fasting)
    Fasting is not merely giving something up; it is uniting our sacrifices to Christ. When difficulties arise, offer them consciously to the Lord. Remember: the glory of Easter passes through the Cross.
   
   

3. Reflect the Light through Charity. (Almsgiving)
    Works of mercy turn charity into concrete care. Practice compassion through these corporal and spiritual gateways of grace. Reach out to someone who is lonely, struggling, or forgotten. Become for others a glimpse of Christ’s transfigured light.
   
   

As we continue our Lenten pilgrimage here at Blessed Trinity, may we climb the mountain with Jesus. May we allow Him to transfigure our fears into faith, our doubt into trust, and our hearts into radiant witnesses of His love.

And when the clouds gather in our own lives, may we remember the voice of the Father:

“This is my beloved Son… listen to Him.”

Fr. Skip – Pastor

Announcing Renewal and Guidelines for All Ushers and Greeters

The Diocese of Orlando has published revised guidelines and directives for many of our liturgical ministries in the Parish. In the course of the next few months we will continue hosting sessions for the various liturgical ministries.

The next session is for all ushers and greeters (English & Spanish) and will take place on Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 PM in the church. New members and parishioners to these ministries are also welcome to participate.

Please be sure to register with the Parish Office by Monday, February 23.
Tel: 407-277-1702 or email btccorl.org.

Gratefully,
Fr. Skip – Pastor