So ten days into Lent, and we can't wait for Easter. Maybe it's that we haven't gotten used to the fasting yet. Or maybe it's that we haven't been as good at the extra prayer we promised ourselves that we would do. Even

the church recognizes that we need a little boost to move us along. That's why we hear the Gospel of the Transfiguration on this Second Sunday of Lent. It is just a little foretaste, an appetizer, of what Easter is to be. For

those of us who are already baptized, and for those who are preparing for baptism, the image of the glorified Christ stands as a beacon of what we are to become when we share in the fullness of the Resurrection.

Paul writes to the Philippians that Christ "will change our lowly body to conform to his glorified body." That is the hope that is held out to us as we progress through Lent. In this season we unite ourselves to Christ so that we may become more like him.

But we abandon this world, looking for some far-off promise of glory. Our almsgiving, our care for the poor, is a reflection of Christ's love for everyone. When we reach out a little more this Lent (often made possible

because we've decided to give something up, and so have extra available to give away) we act like Jesus, who gave up his life for us. His suffering and death on the cross found fulfillment in his resurrection from the dead.

When we care for others through our own sacrifice, we are helping to transfigure their lives, letting a little bit of God's glory be seen through our transforming love. The Transfiguration reminds us what awaits us after our own suffering if we are faithful to the commands of Christ.