August 6, 2013 Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord Dn 7:9-10, 13-14, Ps 97, 2 Pt 1:16-19, Lk 9:28B-36 Peter says “Beloved: We did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.” He and the apostles saw the things they reported to us. If they had been made up stories these guys would not have been willing to die for a cause they knew was bogus. And tradition tells us that all but John died the death of a martyr. Then hundreds and thousands of others who walked with Jesus also gave their lives for His truth. And regarding His truth we “will do well to be attentive to it.” The first reading from Daniel and the Gospel speak to the glory of God. In the Transfiguration Moses and Elijah, who represent all the law and all the prophets, speak to Jesus of His exodus. God will once and for all free His people from slavery, the slavery of sin, by His exodus in Jerusalem. Peter, James, and John are privileged witnesses of all this, and Peter makes a common mistake. Have you ever had one of those “mountain-top” experiences? One of those times when you really feel the presence of God in a strong, unmistakable way? I have often felt this way during a retreat. Retreats are good for the soul. They are so important that the church requires clergy to make an annual retreat. We all need to make these special times to be alone with God, to give Him our undivided attention. Jesus went away to pray often. Before He started His public ministry He went to the desert for 40 days to pray. The Transfiguration was another occasion where Jesus was getting away to pray. And getting away to pray led to something very special. It was so special that Peter just did not want it to end. “Master, it is good that we are here….” It was good that they were there. That is why Jesus wanted the three to come along, so that they could be encouraged and uplifted, prepared for what lies ahead in Jerusalem. Peter wanted to stay “But he did not know what he was saying.” The retreat experience is for our good, it’s for our encouragement, it should give us strength for what lies ahead. But the mission of the church is not accomplished on retreat. The mountain top, as wonderful as it is, is not where the work is to be done. The work is done down in the valley, where God’s people are. Accept the wonderful experience. Receive God’s grace. Recharge your spirit. Then go to Jerusalem, go to the valley, go and do what Jesus sent us to do. Note: Need a retreat? For Catholics in North Georgia there are Cursillo retreats taking place in September at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers. Ask someone in your parish about Cursillo if you are interested in attending. Not Catholic? Cursillo may be active in your church too. Seek out Walk-to-Emmaus (Methodist), Tres Dias (Church of God), or the Atlanta Christian Cursillo (Non-Denom). Cursillo is the best retreat I have ever attended, period.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 04:54:39 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015