Welcome to day 11 of our spiritual spring training. As we continue our journey through Lent 2022, the Church invites us to reflect on the meaning of the word: “transformation. “Today’s liturgy of the word calls us to work with the Holy Spirit to transform our lives by renewing them during Lent so that they radiate the glory and grace of the transfigured Lord to all around us by our Spirit-filled lives.
How is Jesus’s transfiguration related to our transformation?
- The “transfiguration” in the Holy Mass is the source of our strength: In each Holy Mass, the bread and wine we offer on the altar become “transfigured “or transformed (transubstantiated) into the living Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of the crucified, risen, and glorified Jesus. Just as Jesus’ Transfiguration was meant to strengthen the apostles in their time of trial, each holy Mass should be our source of Heavenly strength against temptations and for our Lenten renewal.
- Each time we receive one of the Sacraments, we are transformed: For example, Baptism transforms us into sons and daughters of God and heirs of heaven. Confirmation makes us temples of the Holy Spirit and warriors of God. By the Sacrament of Reconciliation, God brings back the sinner to the path of holiness.
- The Transfiguration of Jesus offers us a message of encouragement and hope: In moments of doubt and during our dark moments of despair and hopelessness, the thought of our own transfiguration in Heaven will help us to reach out to God and to listen to His consoling words to Jesus: “This is my beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased “listen to Him!”, and so share the glory of His transfiguration.
- We need “mountain-top experiences” in our lives: We share the mountain-top experience of Peter, James, and John when we spend extra time in prayer: at home, in the church, before the Blessed Sacrament, reflecting on the Scripture, or listening to His Word.
There is a joke that says: “At the transfiguration, Peter offered to build three tents, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. Jesus said, “And what about you, Peter?” And Peter replies, “Don’t worry about me Lord, I got a better place in Jaffa.
“Have you already decided to give your life entirely to the Lord and be transformed by His love, or do you still have “a better place without Him?” Have a blessed second week of Lent! Fr. Tom
Please continue your prayers for peace in Ukraine:
“Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Ukraine. Please protect and send aid to those in Ukraine and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace -we pray for all who are working towards it and for all who are in danger from this conflict. We pray for an end to violence and war “we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God, please help those in most need of thy mercy. Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us! Saint Joseph, Protector of Mary, Jesus and the Church, pray for us! Saint Michael the Archangel, Patron of Kyiv, pray for us! Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, may your kingdom reign in Ukraine and all the world. “Amen
Latin Mass parts can be found in the hymnals: Kyrie-#857, Sanctus-#859, Agnus Dei-#863