Once more, the valley floor is filled with blossoms from its various flowering trees. I always look forward to this event and its beauty. I talk about it to friends who live in other parts of the country. And with this marvelous display of nature, I think about the scene of the transfiguration of Jesus after he ascends Mount Tabor with several of his disciples — Peter, James and John (Luke 9: 28-36). In a flash, they see Jesus transformed from their familiar teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, to the glorified Christ, standing between two of the most influential figures in the history of Jewish religion — Moses, representing the tradition of the Law, and Elijah, representing the tradition of the Prophets. Jesus Christ is the new standard of God’s saving presence among his people. The two traditions come together in the one new expression of God’s saving love. The disciples are overwhelmed by this majestic beauty and want to remain there, but Jesus calls them back down the mountain, back to the journey to Jerusalem, where he will suffer, die and then rise from the dead, just as he had told them before this extraordinary event.

Yes, I admire the wondrous beauty of our valley during this time of the year, but I have to remember that the purpose of spring is to prepare for summer, when all these trees will bear their fruit, providing life-giving food. And so it is with the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor. It was not enough that his disciples received a glimpse of Jesus in this stunning but passing transfiguration. Rather, they would eventually experience Jesus in his glory as Risen Lord; and they themselves would be part of the fruit of his Pascal Mystery, witnesses of God’s saving love. The disciples had to follow Jesus to Jerusalem, to remain with him and be transformed into the fruit of his love. And so it is with us.

Next week, on Ash Wednesday, many Christians will begin the observation of Lent, a period of spiritual preparation for Easter involving prayer, self denial and charitable practices toward the neighbor. Just before the transfiguration scene on Mount Tabor, Jesus instructed his disciples that if they would follow him, they would have to deny themselves and be saved by losing themselves. The English word for this period of Christian renewal is Lent, or springtime, adopted from the Germanic term “lenz.” But in Latin it is “quadragesima” and in Spanish “cuaresma,” in reference to the 40 days before Easter. Perhaps the extraordinary development going on in our beautiful blossoming trees in springtime provides a clue to the meaning of Lent and our spiritual development. May the Holy Spirit guide us during this time of growth from attractive blossoms to rich fruit for God’s kingdom.

• The Rev. Bernie Quinn is minister of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Sermon Notes is a column by ministers of the Patterson Ministerial Association.