Dear Friends,
This Second Sunday of Lent we take a look at Luke’s version of the Transfiguration narrative!
It certainly gives us much to contemplate upon and reflect into our own lives as “We Walk On Holy Ground”.
Looking briefly at the first reading this weekend from the Book of Genesis we have a scriptural mountaintop story.
Here God makes a promise to Abram and his descendants that will take place the moment Jesus comes into the world centuries later. Which brings us to Jesus taking Peter, John and James to another mountaintop experience. Here is where Luke offers his version of the Transfiguration of the Lord.
In this moment of prayer there is again the reporting of dazzling white clothes, visual changes in the appearance of Jesus, Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus, and a voice coming from the clouds announcing “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
As we pray over these texts we are also invited by our God to a life of transformation striving to “be everything you are meant to be and you will set the world on fire” as spoken by Catherine of Siena.
We are still on an early Lenten pilgrimage. Where might we become fully engaged in a personal “mountaintop” experience that helps us deepen our identity with Jesus? How can we keep our minds awake to what He wants to communicate to us? What do we need to “fast” from and let go of to make room for the Lord in our everyday living? How are we looking at others and recognizing the love Jesus has for them? Are we striving to be as loving of our neighbor? What is happening with our prayer? Are we as attentive to being with Jesus as we should be? Who is keeping us from Him? What is keeping us from giving Him our presence and attention?
This is another blessed opportunity to look at ourselves and be present to Jesus and pray with conviction “It is good that we are here.”
This past week we began our Monday evenings of prayer at Transfiguration and Sister Barbara Moore’s Saturday morning Scripture Reflections. Two occasions, might I say, that can be a “mountaintop” grace. These prayerful moments will continue over the next several weeks. And soon, Dr. Joseph Kelly will offer our parish retreat. Do plan on joining him on March 21, 22 and 23rd. Details are in this bulletin.
I continue to be distressed with the ongoing violence and loss of life for the people of Ukraine. What will unfold? What will we be called to do to bring an end to this travesty against innocent children of God and the ruination of their homes and “Holy Ground”? What will our worldwide nations do to restore peace and justice along with all denominations of faith ?
Last week a prayer was shared in our bulletin that I would like to repeat again. Please use it or your own words for our sisters and brothers.
So my friends, may “we walk on holy ground” and live as Jesus with love and peace for everyone in our world,
Father Rob
Loving God,
We pray for the people of Ukraine,
for all those suffering or afraid,
that you will be close to them
and protect them.
We pray for world leaders,
for compassion, strength, and wisdom
to guide their choices
We pray for the world
that in this moment of crisis,
we may reach out in solidarity
to our brothers and sisters in need.
May we walk in your ways
so that peace and justice become
a reality for the people of Ukraine
and for all the world. Amen