Dear Parishioners,
The readings this week speak to us about transformation (Gn 15:5-12, 17-18/Ps 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14/ Phil 3:17-4:1 or 3:20-24:1/Lk 9:28b-36). The transformation or transfiguration of Jesus that the disciples experienced was not simply something they were to see and experience as happening only to him. It was also an invitation for them to undergo a transformation and transfiguration of their own.
St. Paul tells us, “from heaven comes the Savior we are waiting for, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he will transfigure our lowly body to conform to his glorified body. He will do that by the same power with which he brings all things into subjection to himself.” Our goal in life is to be one with God. There is no other goal.
How does our own transformation or transfiguration take place? By listening to Jesus, listening to all that he invites us to be and do, however much that may go against the views and values of the world. The story of the Transfiguration shows us that it was while Jesus prayed that everything about Jesus was transformed and the disciples glimpsed who Jesus truly was. Prayer is a matter of the heart that spends time simply being in the presence of God. The Transfiguration teaches about our basic vocation to listen to Jesus as Son of God. It means having a total trust in walking his Way, a total trust that only his Way brings me into full union with God, the source of all Truth, Love, Happiness and Peace. Prayer changes everything.
God Bless,
Deacon Howard
