"Beloved sons” abound in this Sunday’s readings, and God is moving in big ways around them. In the end Abraham did not have to sacrifice his beloved son—though he was willing to—but either way it’s a harrowing story.

Let’s have a show of hands: Who gave up something for Lent this year? For many Catholics, the Lenten sacrifice is part and parcel of these 40 days. It’s another reason to wear penitential purple: 40 days without chocolate. Without dessert. Without coffee.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. His clothes shimmered, glistening white, whiter than any bleach could make them. Elijah, along with Moses, came into view, in deep conversation with Jesus.

Last summer, I flew to Minneapolis and rented a car to drive to the northernmost corner of Minnesota. From there, I took a boat out to an island in the boundary waters, crossing into Canada on the way. As I stepped off the boat, I was reunited with five friends from long ago, women with whom I have shared the routine struggles and joys of daily life, the ups and downs of parenting, a concern and sense of responsibility for the world around us, and with whom I can share the inner secrets of my heart.

Those of us who live at sea level often have trouble breathing when we are up in the thinner mountain air. Many people have trouble sleeping. Others notice that their appetites are affected.

Every few years, yet another corporate scandal spurs a new round of calls for tough legislation against corporate greed and promises from CEOs to clean up their acts and police themselves.

Have you seen the T-shirt that says, “God’s not finished with me yet?” Maybe that’s the souvenir Jesus should have bought the disciples after they went up the mountain with him and saw him revealed in all his glory.

We place ourselves before the mercy of God for the times we have not trusted in God's guidance.

The great reason for this Transfiguration was to remove the scandal of the cross from the hearts of his disciples, and to prevent the humiliation of his voluntary suffering from disturbing the faith of those who had witnessed the surpassing glory that lay concealed.