Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 

Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

There’s a famous exchange toward the end of 1992’s A League of Their Own, a film about the All-American Girls’ Professional Baseball League. Dottie Hinson, a star player, has quit her team, saying, “it just got too hard.” Manager Jimmy Dugan responds: “It’s supposed to be hard! If it wasn’t hard everyone would do it. The hard…is what makes it great.”

I don’t think that a life of faith is supposed to be inherently difficult; Jesus promises us rest and an easy burden to bear. And yet, for most of us, faith in a broken world can be just…hard.

In today’s Gospel, the disciples see Jesus transfigured in glory—radiant light, the Father’s voice, overwhelming awe. It is a mountaintop moment. But they cannot remain there. They must come down toward Jerusalem. Toward the cross. Still, Jesus tells them, “Rise, and do not be afraid.”

The glimpse of glory strengthens them for what lies ahead. So too for us. Even when faith feels difficult, we trust that the promise of eternal life makes perseverance worthwhile—and so we carry on.

—Fr. Eric Immel, SJ, is a vocation promoter for the Midwest Jesuits. To learn more about how to become a Jesuit, visit beajesuit.org. 

Lord,

I come to you tired, burdened, and weary knowing that you promise rest (Matthew 11:28). Grant me rest.

I come to you seeking respite from the heaviness and uncertainty. In my weakness, may you grant me relief as I dwell in your presence. May your grace be sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).

I lay down the fear and anxiety on my heart. Lord, strengthen me with the courage to keep going, to continue to persevere through these difficult and trying days.

Help me remain steadfast under trial (James 1:12), to run with endurance the race that is set before me (Hebrews 12:1), and to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and constant in prayer (Romans 12:12).

Lord, as my refuge and strength you have seen me through trials both great and small.

You, Lord, deserve all my praise, for you, Lord, never change.

Your steadfast love endures forever.

Hear my prayer. Amen.

—Marybeth Eiler, Prayer for Perseverence