"To our knowledge, Jesus of Nazareth didn't use cosmetics, yet he could have since he was relatively old when he began his public ministry at about the age of thirty. Jesus was likely older than his disciples and the majority of those who encountered him because in Palestine at that time 75 percent of the population died by their mid-twenties. Those who lived beyond that age commonly suffered from tooth loss and a variety of diseases. By the age of forty, 90 percent were dead. So the Jesus who climbed that high mountain could well have been an aged, wrinkled, graying man, yet he was transfigured more gloriously than a youthful, golden-haired Greek god-hero. Is the transfiguration that we hear about in today's gospel (Mk 9:2-10) just a preview of the heavenly glory we shall share with the Risen Christ, or does it have some personal meaning for this life?

"Everyone suffers from the effects of aging, and while cosmetics can hide and reduce these effects, is there another art or 'skill in decorating'? Lent is a cosmetic season to beautify not only the outside but also the inside. Our Lenten practices are intended to allow what is inside to radiate outward, as Jesus did when he became the transparent, see-through Christ. But, you object, he was the Son of God! True, but does not the glorious image of God also reside in you? Perhaps like dull, old silver, the image has lost its luster — tarnished by neglect, sins, and human frailties. Prayer polishes the soul and a habitual desire for inner beauty causes your soul to surface splendidly on your face in a radiant smile. Your transfiguration into the glorious Christ need not be delayed until death. Simply begin today to think, to speak, and to act as he did."