This weekend, we see Jesus, Peter, James, and John on the mountain. Jesus is transfigured before them. My favorite part? "And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone." I long for those moments when I raise my eyes and all I see is Jesus. It seems that worldly things keep me struggling to keep only Jesus before me. Lord, help me.
What stood out for you?
I love this gospel. The thing that resonates with me is the strong inspiration that can occur from this type of mountain-top experience, but also how fleeting these feelings can be. We all need inspiration, but shouldn't rely too heavily on the feelings that go along with it. Instead we need to find a way of remaining faithful even when we don't feel like it.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good point, claire, & so important to remember. We'd all like to have those "mountaintop" spiritual experiences...but the reality is, our spiritual life is often a series of ups & downs & periods where God's Presence may feel distant to us. Think of Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta...she experienced a lengthy period of spiritual darkness/dryness, yet she never waivered in remaining faithful to God's will.
ReplyDeleteThis Sunday's reading in the Eastern Catholic Churches has a similar theme to Jesus saying, "Rise, and do not be afraid.” We'll hear Mark 2:1-12 where the men removed the roof to lower down the paralytic so Jesus could heal him. Jesus says to the paralytic, "I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose & immediately took up the pallet & went out before them all; so that they were all amazed & glorified God. St. Peter Chrysologus says the message for us is: "Rise and Walk! Your sins are fogiven! Take up your bed. Carry the very mat that once carried you. Change places, so that what was the proof of your sickness may now give testimony to your soundness. Your bed of pain becomes the sign of healing, its very weight the measure of the strength that has been restored to you.
For Eastern Catholics, this 2nd Sunday of the Great Fast is the Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas (1296-1359); a monk, archbishop & eminent theologian. He was also a major figure in 14th-century Byzantium. Through St. Gregory's greatest work, In Defense of Holy Hesychasts, he helped to develop the tradition of the well-loved Jesus Prayer: “Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!”
Thanks for sharing that Pilgrims. I never knew anything about the origins of that prayer. I have to try to remember to say it more often throughout the day.
DeleteThe other thing that occurred to me at Mass tonight was when God says "this is my beloved Son, listen to Him", all of a sudden I saw the parallel between that and when Mary tells the waiters (at Cana) to "do whatever he tells you".
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to wish you all a Happy Feast of St. Patrick! Everything green is covered with snow here...but greener days are coming! :)
ReplyDeleteHoly Bishop Patrick,
Faithful shepherd of Christ's royal flock,
You filled Ireland with the radiance of the Gospel:
The mighty strength of the Trinity!
Now that you stand before the Savior,
Pray that He may preserve us in faith and love!
From slavery you escaped to freedom in Christ's service:
He sent you to deliver Ireland from the devil's bondage.
You planted the Word of the Gospel in pagan hearts.
In your journeys and hardships you rivaled the Apostle Paul!
Having received the reward for your labors in heaven,
Never cease to pray for the flock you have gathered on earth,
Holy bishop Patrick!
Thanks Pilgrims! We have some snow left, but are hoping for some green very soon. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
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