The Glitter and the Glory - 2nd Sunday of Lent
You’ve probably seen those little water or snow globes often found in souvenir shops. Inside is a serene scene—a cosy cabin, a snowy landscape, or a sparkling city. When you shake the globe, a flurry of glitter swirls around, creating a moment of wonder that draws you in, as if inviting you to step inside and escape life’s chaos.
Lent offers us the chance to pause, shake off distractions, and prepare ourselves to encounter Jesus and allow him to shape our faith. When I was a little girl, I was captivated by these little globes. One time I was gifted with one, enclosing a figurine of the transfigured Christ. After shaking it profusely, silver glitter swirled around and fell onto the figure, turning the scene into something wondrous. I would sit there entranced as the glitter settled, almost feeling as if I were there with Jesus and his friends, witnessing that moment on the mountain. I must admit, at times I was probably more captivated by the glitter than by the figurine. Looking back, yes, they are corny as anything, but I reckon we can take a few things away from my transfigured Jesus water globe.
...we are called not to cling to our mountaintop experiences, but to allow our hearts to be transformed by his presence in a way that compels us to move, deepen in relationship with him, and to follow him to the cross.
In today’s Gospel, we are taken to the beautiful event of the transfiguration of Jesus. We catch a glimpse of the time in history where his divinity is first revealed to Peter, James, and John. This very personal encounter shaped the future journey of those fellas. They were not to remain on the mountain, in awe of this private revelation, but were called to go back down the mountain with Jesus, to follow him, as he faced crucifixion.
Peter, in his awe and wonder, suggests building shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, hoping to contain the experience—much like wanting to dive into my water globe in an attempt to live in consolation forever. Yet, the voice from the cloud reminds him, “This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him!” (Mt 3:17). Hearing his voice, we are called not to cling to our mountaintop experiences, but to allow our hearts to be transformed by his presence in a way that compels us to move, deepen in relationship with him, and to follow him to the Cross.
Jesus is always waiting to draw us closer to him. Like swirling, glittery globes, our hearts and minds can become cluttered with emotions, distractions, worries, and daily noise.
Our globes can hold our attention briefly, but Jesus longs to capture our hearts with the reality of his presence so that we can know what it means to truly be with him! We don’t need to imagine jumping into little globes, Jesus is always waiting to draw us closer to him. Like swirling, glittery globes, our hearts and minds can become cluttered with emotions, distractions, worries, and daily noise. Lent offers us the chance to pause, shake off distractions, and prepare ourselves to encounter Jesus and allow him to shape our life.
Do our hearts desire the glittery distractions of life—addictions, phone, negative thought patterns, sin—or do we long to be enfolded in God’s love, allowing him to transform our hearts like he did with his three closest disciples on the mountain?
Therese Mills
This reflection was originally written for Compassio - the 2026 Lenten Program of the Diocese of Wollongong.