"And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light." In Jesus's transfiguration, we see the glory that is his by nature, and that glory we will receive by grace.

"At that time, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil." As the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert, so we are led into this season of conversion by the same Holy Spirit.

"Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God." On Ash Wednesday, we begin our Lenten journey of conversion and renewal.

"So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect." The call to holiness extends to all of the faithful, and the call is to reach the destiny for which we are created.

Jesus said to his disciples: "I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." Jesus desires for his disciples to have holiness that goes beyond external behavior. Our holiness is to flow from a complete transformation of our personhood.

"Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father." Christ the light has come. We wait for the promised Holy Spirit when we are aflame with the love of God and become the light of the world.

"For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people: a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." On this blessed day, we join Simeon and Anna in proclaiming Jesus as the light of the world.

"I urge you, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose." On this Word of God Sunday, we listen as God's Word moves us from division toward unity.

"Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world... Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God." John the Baptist inspires us to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.

"After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'" The words spoken over Jesus when he was baptized are also spoken over us. In Christ, we are beloved and pleasing to God.