The Gospel this week tells the story of the Transfiguration, when Jesus confirmed that He is the Messiah. It must have been overwhelming for Peter, James, and John to see Christ in dazzling white conversing with past prophets. They must have felt so small on the mountaintop, witnessing this incredible event. And the transfiguration reminds me of my littleness, too.

Sometimes it feels as if God asks overwhelmingly large things from me that I am simply not holy enough to accomplish. There is a temptation to try to become holier and “fix” my littleness before I turn to Jesus. Especially during Lent, it can be difficult to separate my sacrifices and good deeds from the false idea that I can earn my way to heaven. Paul’s words to Timothy in the second reading serve as a great reminder, “He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works [emphasis added] but according to his own design” (2 Tim 1:9). God, my Father, does not ask that I earn His love; He asks that I accept it.

Let us embrace our littleness this week, taking one little step at a time towards holiness.