Lent 2016: Transforming lives

Rachel McCarthy works in the Theology Programme at CAFOD. She reflects on the Gospel story of the transfiguration and how our global neighbours living in poverty are transforming their lives.

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In the transfiguration Jesus appears transformed on the mountains before his disciples

 “As Jesus was praying, the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became sparkling white” (Luke 9:29).

This Sunday, we will hear again the amazing story of Jesus’ transfiguration, when the Lord appears transformed by radiant light on the mountain before his disciples. It may be a story you are very familiar with, but it is worth reflecting on this divine transformation today.

Watch our video inspired by the transfiguration

Transforming light

Father Paul Ngole works for our partner Caritas Moroto in Uganda. He reflects on how Jesus leads the disciples up the mountain to a place of peace, prayer and serenity. In the same way, the Lord intends us all to experience the love and joy of God.

The theme of transformation is, of course, central to our Lenten practice. As we journey through these 40 days and nights, renewing our baptismal promises and deepening our faith, we prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate Easter, when the Risen Christ will set us free.

Living life to the full

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With access to clean water, Teko Anna’s life has changed for the better

The more I hear about our sisters and brothers in Uganda, the more I reflect on how people’s lives are truly being transformed by access to water. Teko Anna lives near the mountains of Karamoja. She used to struggle without a source of clean water nearby. It nearly reached a crisis point when she thought she would have to take her daughter Proscovia out of school, stopping her from fulfilling her dreams.

Download the Stations of the Cross reflection 

Yet, even in the most trying times, God’s transforming light breaks through. Teko Anna now has a clean, reliable water source in her village. She no longer has to worry about how to fetch water. Thanks to your generosity and prayers, her whole family’s life has changed for the better.

Teko Anna says, “I feel good that Proscovia can go to school and I pray he continues. I leave her future in the hands of God now.”

Please watch and share this good news with your friends and family, and be inspired to see how water is transforming the lives of our sisters and brothers living in poverty.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoHVXP9LfJU?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

2 thoughts on “Lent 2016: Transforming lives”

  1. Reblogged this on CAFOD Salford Blog and commented:
    Rachel McCarthy works in the Theology Programme at CAFOD. In this blog piece she reflects on the Gospel story of the transfiguration and how our global neighbours living in poverty are transforming their lives by gaining access to clean drinking water; water being the central theme of CAFOD’s Lent Appeal.

  2. Reblogged this on CAFOD Salford Blog and commented:
    Rachel McCarthy works in the Theology Programme at CAFOD. In this blog piece she reflects on the Gospel story of the transfiguration and how our global neighbours living in poverty are transforming their lives by gaining access to clean drinking water; water being the central theme of CAFOD’s Lent Appeal.

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