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Catholic Caucus: Sunday Mass Readings, 02-24-13, Second Sunday of Lent
USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 02-24-13 | Revised New American Bible

Posted on 02/23/2013 8:49:25 PM PST by Salvation

February 24, 2013

 

Second Sunday of Lent 

 

 

Reading 1 Gn 15:5-12, 17-18

The Lord God took Abram outside and said,
“Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can.
Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.”
Abram put his faith in the LORD,
who credited it to him as an act of righteousness.

He then said to him,
“I am the LORD who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans
to give you this land as a possession.”
“O Lord GOD,” he asked,
“how am I to know that I shall possess it?”
He answered him,
“Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old she-goat,
a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
Abram brought him all these, split them in two,
and placed each half opposite the other;
but the birds he did not cut up.
Birds of prey swooped down on the carcasses,
but Abram stayed with them.
As the sun was about to set, a trance fell upon Abram,
and a deep, terrifying darkness enveloped him.

When the sun had set and it was dark,
there appeared a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch,
which passed between those pieces.
It was on that occasion that the LORD made a covenant with Abram,
saying: “To your descendants I give this land,
from the Wadi of Egypt to the Great River, the Euphrates.”

Responsorial Psalm Ps 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14

R. (1a) The Lord is my light and my salvation.
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Hear, O LORD, the sound of my call;
have pity on me, and answer me.
Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Your presence, O LORD, I seek.
Hide not your face from me;
do not in anger repel your servant.
You are my helper: cast me not off.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
R. The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Reading 2 Phil 3:17—4:1

Join with others in being imitators of me, brothers and sisters,
and observe those who thus conduct themselves
according to the model you have in us.
For many, as I have often told you
and now tell you even in tears,
conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Their end is destruction.
Their God is their stomach;
their glory is in their “shame.”
Their minds are occupied with earthly things.
But our citizenship is in heaven,
and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He will change our lowly body
to conform with his glorified body
by the power that enables him also
to bring all things into subjection to himself.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters,
whom I love and long for, my joy and crown,
in this way stand firm in the Lord.

or PHIL 3:20—4:1


Brothers and sisters:
Our citizenship is in heaven,
and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He will change our lowly body
to conform with his glorified body
by the power that enables him also
to bring all things into subjection to himself.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters,
whom I love and long for, my joy and crown,
in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.

Gospel Lk 9:28b-36

Jesus took Peter, John, and James
and went up the mountain to pray.
While he was praying his face changed in appearance
and his clothing became dazzling white.
And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus
that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep,
but becoming fully awake,
they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus,
“Master, it is good that we are here;
let us make three tents,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
But he did not know what he was saying.
While he was still speaking,
a cloud came and cast a shadow over them,
and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
They fell silent and did not at that time
tell anyone what they had seen.



TOPICS: Catholic; General Discusssion; Prayer; Worship
KEYWORDS: catholic; lent; prayer
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A Prayer for our Free Nation Under God
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Prayer Chain Request for the United States of America
Pray for Nancy Pelosi
Prayer and fasting will help defeat health care reform (Freeper Prayer Thread)
Prayer Campaign Started to Convert Pro-Abortion Catholic Politicians to Pro-Life
[Catholic Caucus] One Million Rosaries
Non-stop Rosary vigil to defeat ObamaCare

From an Obama bumper sticker on a car:

"Pray for Obama.  Psalm 109:8"

   

PLEASE JOIN US -

Evening Prayer
Someone has said that if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless.
Did you know that during WWII there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every day at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace?  


There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America. If you would like to participate: Every evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central) (7:00 PM Mountain) (6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, and for a return to a Godly nation. If you know anyone else who would like to participate, please pass this along. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have.    Please forward this to your praying friends.


21 posted on 02/24/2013 8:52:53 AM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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February Devotion: The Holy Family

Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. The month of February has been primarily asociated with the Holy Family, probably due to the feast of Our Lord's presentation at the temple, celebrated on February 2. At the very outset of Christ's work on earth, God showed the world a family in which, as Pope Leo XIII teaches, "all men might behold a perfect model of domestic life, and of all virtue and holiness." The harmony, unity, and holiness which characterized this holy Family make it the model for all Christian families.

INVOCATION
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph most kind, Bless us now and in death's agony.

FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE HOLY FAMILY
Grant unto us, Lord Jesus, ever to follow the example of Thy holy Family, that in the hour of our death Thy glorious Virgin Mother together with blessed Joseph may come to meet us and we may be worthily received by Thee into everlasting dwellings: who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
Roman Missal

CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY FAMILY
O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who having come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and example, didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family that was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou defend us, guard us and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace, and concord in Christian love: in order that, by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Thy family, we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness.

Mary, dear Mother of Jesus and Mother of us, by thy kindly intercession make this our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings.

O Saint Joseph, most holy guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by thy prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Savior Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity.

Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be, three times.

IN HONOR OF THE HOLY FAMILY
O God, heavenly Father, it was part of Thine eternal decree that Thine only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, should form a holy family with Mary, His blessed mother, and His foster father, Saint Joseph. In Nazareth home life was sanctified, and a perfect example was given to every Christian family. Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may fully comprehend and faithfully imitate the virtues of the Holy Family so that we may be united with them one day in their heavenly glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954

Holy Family Chaplet

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with me in my last hour.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul
in peace with you.

Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse. Amen.

Say 3 Our Father's, 3 Hail Mary's, and 3 Glory be's.

The Holy Family Icon by Nicholas Markell

PRAYER TO
THE HOLY FAMILY
=====================================================================================

GOD our Heavenly Father, You call all peoples to be united as one family in worshipping You as the one and true God. You willed that Your Son become man, giving Him a virgin mother and a foster father to form the Holy Family of Nazareth.

WE pray: may the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, image and model of every human family unit walk in the spirit of Nazareth and grow in the understanding of its particular mission in society and the Church. May our families be living cells of love, faithfulness and unity, thus reflecting God's covenant with humanity and Christ's redeeming love for His Church.

JESUS, Mary and Joseph protect our families from all evil; keep us, who are away from home, one in love with our dear ones.

The Holy Family


 
"The Holy Family with the infant St. John the Baptist ( the Doni tondo )" by Michelangelo c.1506, Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence
Parent's Prayer

Jesus, Son of God, Son of Man, and Son of Mary, I thank you for the gift of life you have entrusted to my care. Help me be a parent both tender and wise, both loving and forgiving.

Mary, Holy Mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and our Motherly Queen of Heaven, nourish our family with your heavenly grace. Help us to remain faithful to The Most Holy Trinity, in all our sorrows and joys.

Joseph, Earthly father to our Lord God, guardian and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety.

Holy Family of Nazareth, help our family to walk in your footsteps. May we be peace-loving and peace-giving.
Amen.
 

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
Recovering God’s Plan for Marriage and Family: A Sermon on the Feast of the Holy Family

“Why were you looking for me?" (On the Feast of The Holy Family)
U.S. Postal Service Issues Holy Family Forever Stamp
On Prayer in the Life of the Holy Family
The Holy Family - held together by Love through all their problems [Ecumenical]
Feast of the Holy Family: The Christian Family is a Domestic Church
Chesterton on "The Human Family and the Holy Family"
Joseph, Mary and Jesus: A Model Family
ADVICE TO PARENTS by Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
The Holy Family
St. Joseph as Head of the Holy Family (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)

Feast of the Holy Family
Feast of the Holy Family (Dom Guéranger OSB)
The Feast of the Holy Family
The Holy Family vs. The Holy Innocents: A Christmas season reflection [Catholic Caucus]
Vatican creche to place Holy Family in Joseph's carpentry workshop
The Redemption and Protection of the Family [Feast of the Holy Family]
Study Backs Tradition of Loreto House - Stones in Altar Match Those in Nazareth, It Says
Unraveling Jesus' mystery years in Egypt
Gaudi’s Church of the Holy Family to be ready for worship in 2008
Imitating the Holy Family; Four Traits that Make It Possible
Lots of Graphics: Post your favorite image of the St. Mary and Child, the Holy Family...


22 posted on 02/24/2013 8:54:44 AM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
February 2013
Pope's Intentions
 
Migrant Families: That migrant families, especially the mothers, may be supported and accompanied in their difficulties.
 
Peace: That the peoples at war and in conflict may lead the way in building a peaceful future.

23 posted on 02/24/2013 8:55:44 AM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Salvation
Daily Gospel Commentary

Second Sunday of Lent - Year C
Commentary of the day
Saint Leo the Great (?-c.461), Pope and Doctor of the Church
Sermon 51, 2-3, 7-8 ; PL 54, 310-313, SC 74 bis (Nicene and post-Nicene Fathers rev.)

The glory of the Cross

The Lord displays his glory before chosen witnesses and invests that bodily shape which he shared with others with such splendor rthat his face was like the sun's in brightness and his garments white as snow. And in this Transfiguration the foremost object was to remove the offense of the cross from his disciples' hearts and to prevent their faith being disturbed by the humiliation of his voluntary Passion by revealing to them the excellence of his hidden dignity.

But with no less foresight, the foundation was laid of holy Church's hope that the whole body of Christ might realize the character of the change which it would have to receive, since each member is called to share one day in the glory seen shining beforehand in its head...

“This is my beloved Son...; listen to him... Listen to him who opens the way to heaven, and by the punishment of the cross prepares for you the steps of ascent to the Kingdom. Why tremble to be redeemed? Why fear to be healed of your wounds, you who were wounded? Let that happen that Christ wills and I will. Cast away all fleshly fear and arm yourselves with the constancy that inspires faith. For it is unworthy for you to fear in the Savior's Passion what, by his good gift, you will not have to fear in your own death...”

In these three apostles the whole Church has learned everything that their eyes saw and their ears heard (cf. 1Jn 1,1). Let the faith of all, then, be established according to the preaching of the holy Gospel, and let no one be ashamed of Christ's cross, through which the world has been redeemed.


24 posted on 02/24/2013 4:20:50 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Second Sunday of Lent
First Reading:
Psalm:
Second Reading:
Gospel:
Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14
Philippians 3:17 -- 4:1 or 3:20 -- 4:1
Luke 9:28-36

You recall that one and the same Word of God extends throughout Scripture, that it is one and the same Utterance that resounds in the mouths of all the sacred writers, since He who was in the beginning God with God has no need of separate syllables; for He is not subject to time.

-- St. Augustine, Enarrationes in Psalmos


25 posted on 02/24/2013 4:46:07 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Arlington Catholic Herald

GOSPEL COMMENTARY LK 9:28B-36
Better than tents
Fr. Paul Scalia

Sacred Scripture begins with God giving man a dwelling place in paradise (cf. Gen 2:8). It ends with God making His dwelling place among men (cf. Rev 21:3). And at every point in between we find expressions of both God’s desire and man’s to dwell with one another. We can see salvation history as the story of God fashioning a dwelling place for Himself with us, and for us with Him. Ultimately, He accomplishes this in a manner beyond our expectations: By grace He dwells in us and we in Him.

This helps shed light on St. Peter’s reaction to Our Lord’s transfiguration: “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah” (Lk 9:33). Although we can quibble with his timing, we cannot find fault with Peter’s desire. It is simply that of the human heart — and of God’s: to dwell with one another. Peter wants the moment of glory to last; he wants dwellings built.

What Peter desired inordinately at the Transfiguration we have received abundantly by grace. Almighty God has made for us more than mere tents. At baptism He made us His dwelling place and caused us to dwell within Him. The entire Christian life is a growth in appreciation of this. Thinking again of Peter’s reaction, therefore, let us learn from the events on Mount Thabor how to deepen this dwelling one with the other.

First, Our Lord takes Peter, John and James “up the mountain” (Lk 9:28) — “apart by themselves,” St. Mark adds (Mk 9:2). To dwell with God we must first leave the false dwellings of the fallen world. The prince of this world is always enticing us to set down roots. And sin is when we settle for a lesser dwelling than God intends for us. But “here we have no lasting city” (Heb 13:14). So the psalmist exclaims, “Better the threshold of the house of my God than a home in the tents of the wicked” (Ps 84:10). To find eternal dwellings we must ascend with Christ, apart by ourselves, away from the allure of the world. This is one of the purposes of Lent: to detach ourselves from the things of this world — from false dwellings — so that we can better dwell with and within God.

Second, they ascended Mount Thabor “to pray” (cf. Lk 9:28). So also the mutual indwelling between God and us is deepened by interior prayer. Not mere recitation of prayers but intimate conversation with the One who is within. The intimacy of this prayer is indicated by the entrance of the apostles into the cloud: they were consumed by the presence of God (cf. Lk 9:34). If we do not give time to interior prayer, then we do not really abide in Him and He will not long abide in us (cf. Jn 15:4). The life of grace within us will atrophy and die.

Third, this dwelling with God comes from an appreciation of His word. “Listen to Him,” the Father’s voice sounds from the cloud (Lk 9:35). He desires to dwell with us by way of His word — both in the sense of Scripture and in the broader sense of His teachings. St. Paul exhorts the Colossians not merely to know the word of Christ but to let it “dwell in you richly” (Col 3:16). As always, Mary serves as the greatest example. Just as she first listened and received the word of the Archangel Gabriel, and then conceived the Word within her — so also by receiving the word of God in faith we too become a dwelling place for Him.

St. Peter thought it a wonderful idea to have three tents built. Our Lord has seen fit to do something greater: to fashion each of us into His dwelling place and bring us to dwell with Him. May we, who enjoy the grace that Peter lacked at the Transfiguration, learn from his faith to treasure our dwelling with God.

Fr. Scalia is pastor of St. John the Beloved Parish in McLean.


26 posted on 02/24/2013 4:53:46 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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The Work of God

 This is my beloved Son; hear him. Catholic Gospels - Homilies - Matthew, Luke, Mark, John - Inspirations of the Holy Spirit

Year C

 -  2nd Sunday of Lent

This is my beloved Son; hear him.

This is my beloved Son; hear him. Catholic Gospels - Matthew, Luke, Mark, John - Inspirations of the Holy Spirit Luke 9:28-36

28 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray.
29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.
30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him.
31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
32 Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.
33 Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" -- not knowing what he said.
34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud.
35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"
36 When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. (NRSV)

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit - From the Sacred Heart of Jesus

2nd Sunday of Lent - This is my beloved Son; hear him. When the time came, I revealed the plan of the Father to my apostles, which included all my sufferings and my death in Calvary for the redemption of men. It was very difficult for them to accept that they would soon be left without their master.

I invited my three closest apostles to come with me to pray, however they were tired and sleepy, so they missed out on my prayers.

There was a moment when my humanity was overwhelmed by my divinity, so Moses and Elijah came to see me and to talk with me. In the middle of this consolation my apostles woke up to see me transfigured in the light of my divinity, then they saw my heavenly visitors and at that moment they heard the voice of my Father saying “This is my beloved, listen to him”. The participation in these divine moments caused them great amazement. For a start they had a glance at my divinity, something that would strengthen their faith for the future sufferings they had to endure. They were very fortunate to also hear the voice of my Father who confirms my mission as his Word, who urges men to take advantage of the heavenly gift that has been sent from heaven, the Son of God.

My transfiguration is also the great hope of man. When you come face to face with me after the resurrection, this is what you will become like, Sons and Daughters of God, whose humanity will be divinized by the grace of my Salvation.

But my work is already in you because you have heard my words and have taken them into your heart.

Author: Joseph of Jesus and Mary


27 posted on 02/24/2013 5:02:48 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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Archdiocese of Washington

Every Round Goes, Higher, Higher. A Meditation on the Gospel for the Second Sunday of Lent

By:

The second Sunday of Lent always features the transfiguration. This is done in the first place because we are following the Lord on his final journey to Jerusalem and this journey up Mt Tabor was one of the stops Jesus himself made with Peter, James and John. It is commonly held that Jesus did this to prepare his apostles for the difficult days ahead. There’s a line from an old spiritual which says, Sometimes I up, sometimes I’m down, sometimes I’m almost on the ground…..but see what the end shall be. And this is what the Lord is doing here: he is showing us what the end shall be. There is a cross to get through, but there is glory on the other side.

There also seems a purpose in placing this account here in that it helps describe the pattern of the Christian life which is the paschal mystery. For we are always dying and rising with Christ in repeated cycles as we journey to an eternal Easter (cf 2 Cor4:10). This Gospel shows forth the pattern of the cross, in the climb, and rising, in the glory of the mountaintop. Then it is back down the mountain again, only to climb another mountain, (Golgotha) and through it find another glory (Easter Sunday). Here is the pattern of the Christian life: the paschal mystery. Let’s look a little closer at the Gospel in three stages.

I. The Purpose of Trials. The text says – Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray.. Now we often pass over this fact, that they had to climb that mountain. And the climb was no easy task. Any one who has been to the sight of Tabor knows what high mountain it is. The climb was almost 2000 feet, high and steep. It may have taken the better part of a day and probably had its dangers. Once at the top it is like looking from an airplane window out on the Jezreel Valley (a.k.a. Megiddo or Armageddon).

So here is a symbol of the cross and of struggle. A climb was up the rough side of the mountain: exhausting, difficult, testing their strength.

I have it on the best of authority that as they climbed they were singing gospel songs: I’m comin’ up on the rough side of the mountain, and I’m doin’ my best to carry on! Another songs says, My soul looks back and wonders how I got over! Yet another says, We are climbing Jacob’s ladder, every round goes higher, higher.

Now, this climb reminds us of our life. For often we have had to climb, to endure and have our strength tested. Perhaps it was the climb of getting a college degree. Perhaps it was the climb of raising children, or building a career. What do you have that you really value that did not come at the price of a climb….of effort and struggle?

And most of us know that, though the climb is difficult, there is glory at the top is we but endure and push through. Life’s difficulties are often the prelude to success and greater strength.

Though we might wish that life had no struggles, it would seem that the Lord intends the climb for us. For, the cross alone leads to true glory. Where would we be without some of the crosses in our life? Let’s ponder some of the Purposes of problems:

  1. God uses problems to DIRECT us. Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new directions and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? “Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways,” Proverbs 20:30 says: Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inner most being. Another old gospel song speaks of the need of suffering to keep us focused on God: Now the way may not be too easy. But you never said it would be. Cause when our way gets a little too easy, you know we tend to stray from thee. Sad but true, God sometimes needs to use problems to direct our steps to him.
  2. God uses problems to INSPECT us. People are like tea bags.. if you want to know what’s inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God ever tested your faith with a
    problem? What do problems reveal about you? Our problems have a way of helping to see what we’re really made of. I have discovered many strengths I never knew I had through trials and testings. There is a test in every testimony and trials have a way of purifying and strengthening our faith as well as inspecting our faith to see whether it is really genuine. 1 Peter 1:6 says, In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure.
  3. God uses problems to CORRECT us. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It’s likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something health, money, a relationship by losing it. Scripture says in Psalm 119:71-72 It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees and also in Psalm 119:67 it says Before I was afflicted, I strayed. But now I keep you word.
  4. God uses problems to PROTECT us. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. A man was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem-but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management’s actions were eventually discovered. Scripture says in Genesis 50:20 as Joseph speaks to his brothers You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
  5. God uses problems to PERFECT us. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Romans 5:3 says We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. And 1 Peter 1:7 says You are being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return.

So here it is, the cross symbolized by the climb. But after the cross comes the glory. Let’s look at stage two:

II. The Productiveness of Trials. The text says, While he was praying his face changed in appearance  and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,  who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus  that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep,  but becoming fully awake,  they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus,  “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking,  a cloud came and cast a shadow over them,  and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said,  “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”

All the climbing has paid off. Now comes the fruit of all that hard work! The Lord gives them a glimpse of glory! They get to see the glory that Jesus has always had with the Father. He is dazzlingly bright. A similar vision from the book of revelation gives us more detail:

I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, ….. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. (Rev 1:12-17)

Yes, all the climbing has paid off. Now comes the glory, the life, the reward or endurance and struggle. Are you enjoying any the fruits of your crosses now? If we think about it, our crosses, if they were carried in faith have made us more confident, stronger. Some of us have discovered gifts, abilities and endurance we never knew we had. Our crosses have brought us life!

  1. The other night I went over to the Church and played the pipe organ. It was most enjoyable and the fruit of years of hard work.
  2. And not only have my own crosses brought me life, but the crosses of others have also blessed me and brought me life. I live and work in buildings that others saved and scrimped and labored to build. I have a faith that martyrs died to hand on to me, that missionaries journeyed long distances to proclaim. See the trials do produce. Enjoy it!
  3. St. Paul says, that this momentary affliction is producing for us a weight of glory beyond all compare (2 Cor 4:14). He also says For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Rom 8:18).
  4. An old gospel song says, By and by, when the morning comes, and all the saints of God are gathered home, we’ll tell the story, of how we’ve overcome. And we’ll understand it better, by and by.

So then, here is the glory that comes after the climb. Here is the life that comes from the cross. Here is the paschal mystery: Always carrying about in our selves the dying of Christ so also that the life of Christ may be manifest in us (2 Cor 4:10).

III. The Pattern of Trials – The text says, After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen..

Notice that, although Peter wanted to stay, Jesus makes it clear that they must go down the mountain for now and walk a very dark valley, to another hill, Golgotha. For now, the pattern must repeat. The cross has led to glory, but more crosses are needed before final glory. An old spiritual says, We are climbing Jacob’s ladder….every round goes higher, higher, soldiers of the cross!

This is our life. Always carrying within our self the dying of Christ so also that [the rising of Christ], the life of Christ may be manifest in us (cf 2 Cor 4:10).

There are difficult days ahead for Jesus and the apostles. But the crosses lead to a final and lasting glory. This is our life too. The paschal mystery, the pattern and rhythm of our life.

This Homily was recorded and is available in mp3 here: http://frpope.com/audio/2%20Lent%20A%202011.mp3

Here is an excerpt from the Song We are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder. The Text says that every round goes higher, higher! Almost as if imagining a spiral staircase even as the rounds get pitched higher musically. For this is the pattern of our life that we die with Christ so as to live with him. And each time we come back around to the cross, or back around to glory, we are one round higher and one level closer to final glory.


28 posted on 02/24/2013 5:14:30 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Sunday Gospel Reflections

2nd Sunday of Lent
Reading I:
Genesis 15:5-12,17-18 II: Philippians 3:17-4:1
Gospel
Luke 9:28-36

28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray.
29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white.
30 And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Eli'jah,
31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem.
32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, and when they wakened they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.
33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli'jah" --not knowing what he said.
34 As he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.
35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"
36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.


Interesting Details
  • (v.28) Luke tightly connects the transfiguration to Jesus' teaching in the previous verses 23-27. The event occurs several days after Jesus "said these words:" "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me ... For whoever would save his life will lose it."
  • (v.28) Jesus begins His ministry with a prayer and ends his ministry with a prayer. Jesus prays while performing miracles. He teaches his disciples to pray. The transfiguration occurs as a prayer experience. As Jesus teaches in 11:13, the Holy Spirit is given in response to prayer.
  • (v.29) White garments are symbols of joy and celebration. The angels who appear at the resurrection (and later in the ascension) wear dazzling, white clothes.
  • (v.30) Moses and Elijah are 2 figures from the Old Testament. Moses was the giver of God's Law, and Elijah was the great prophet through whom God spoke to his people. Their appearance is a sign that the road which Jesus is taking is a fulfillment of the law and the prophets, i.e., a fulfillment of God's will.
  • (v.31) Moses and Elijah talk to Jesus about his "departure," or death in Jerusalem. In the middle of this vision of glory is an image of suffering.
  • (v.33) Peter wants to make a tent for Jesus. Peter indeed does not know what he is saying, for "the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands" (Acts 7:48).
  • (v.34) Cloud is a symbol of God's presence.
  • (v.35) "This is my Son, my Chosen one, listen to him." God reveals who the Son is: the one who returns to God via the cross.

One Main Point

Listen to Jesus, and follow him. The road to everlasting life must pass through suffering.


Reflections
  1. "Listen to him." In what way am I listening to Jesus? What do I hear? How do I know it's Jesus' voice? What will help me more easily to recognize his voice?
  2. When I do not do my will (what I like, what I want), I suffer. Recall the instances that led me to bad consequences because I follow my will (my impulses, job choices, relationship choices, decisions about money, etc.) instead of listening to a wiser person.

29 posted on 02/24/2013 5:20:41 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Just A Minute Just A Minute (Listen)
Some of EWTN's most popular hosts and guests in a collection of one minute inspirational messages. A different message each time you click.

30 posted on 02/24/2013 5:21:50 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All



The Angelus 

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: 
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. 

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. 

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word. 

Hail Mary . . . 

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us. 

Hail Mary . . . 


Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. 

Let us pray: 

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen. 


31 posted on 02/24/2013 5:23:44 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All


Information:
St. Ethelbert

Feast Day: February 24
Born:

552

Died: 24 February 616



32 posted on 02/24/2013 5:28:17 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Salvation
Interactive Saints for Kids

St. Montanus, St. Lucius and Companions

Feast Day: February 24
Born/Died: in the third century


Emperor Valerian tortured and punished the Christians during the days of the early Church. He had allowed a Roman officer to put St. Cyprian to death in September 258.

The Roman officer himself died soon after and the new official, Solon, was nearly killed by some rebels. He suspected that they tried to kill him in revenge for the death of St. Cyprian and arrested eight innocent people.

They were all Christians; mostly deacons, priests and bishops. Each of them had been a devoted follower of St. Cyprian. These Christians were taken down into dark dungeons where they found others whom they knew.

These deep dungeons were dirty and damp and the high walls surrounded the group. They realized that they would soon be put to death. The Christians were kept many months in the prison.

They were made to work during the day and were often kept without food and water for no reason. The cruel treatment, made these Christians grow close together and they helped one another bear their sufferings. The ordinary people protected the bishops, priests and deacons at whom the emperor's cruelty was specially aimed at.

When the Christians were finally called to the place of execution, each was allowed to speak. Montanus, who was tall and strong, spoke bravely to the entire Christian crowd. He told them to be true to Jesus and to die rather than give up the faith.

Lucius, who was small and in poor health, walked quietly to the place where he was to die. He was weak from the hard months in prison. In fact, he had to lean on two friends who helped him to the place where the executioner waited. The people who watched asked him to remember them when he went to heaven.

As each of the Christians were beheaded one after another, the Christians who watched became braver and stronger. They wept for those who suffered such injustice. But they were also filled with joy when they realized that these martyrs would bless them from heaven.

Montanus, Lucius and their companions willingly died for their faith in Jesus in 259

33 posted on 02/24/2013 5:32:43 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
 
Catholic
Almanac:

Sunday, February 24

Liturgical Color: Violet


Pope John XXIII approved the Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ on this day in 1960. St. Gaspar Bufalo began devotion to Jesus in His Most Precious Blood in 1808, when he co-founded the Confraternity of the Precious Blood.


34 posted on 02/24/2013 6:04:07 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: February 24, 2013
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: O God, who have commanded us to listen to your beloved Son, be pleased, we pray, to nourish us inwardly by your word, that, with spiritual sight made pure, we may rejoice to behold your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Lent: February 24th

Second Sunday of Lent

Old Calendar: Second Sunday of Lent

Between Moses and Elias Jesus shows forth His divine glory, thus foreshadowing His resurrection. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of all things. Today's Mass places before us the transfigured Lord and the model toward Whom we must tend, and our own transfiguration as the goal we must attain. We attain this goal by a profound realization of our sinfulness and need of a Redeemer; by preserving purity of body and soul; by combatting our passions and carnal instincts and observing the commandments and most importantly by participating in the Mass. — Excerpted from Cathedral Daily Missal

Stational Church


Sunday Readings
The first reading is taken from the book of Genesis 15:5-12; 17-18. God made a Covenant or pact with Abram in which he promised to make Abram the father of a great race to which he would give the land of Canaan as their territory. The faith of Abram is praised because he believed God's promise, I.e. that he would have descendants even though his wife Sarah was barren.

The second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians 3:17; 4:1. In the preceding verses St. Paul has been telling his converts that he has given up all earthly things for the sake of the Christian faith and promise. He admits he is far from perfect but he continues to press forward on the road to heaven.

The Gospel is from St. Luke 9:28-36. It was out of the abundance of his divine love that God gave a glimpse of the future glory of Christ in his risen humanity to the three disciples on that memorable occasion. And with Christ he showed two others of his faithful servants also in glory. He understood the human weakness of the disciples, and foresaw the shock to their faith which the sad scenes of the passion and crucifixion of their beloved Master would be some weeks later. So, to strengthen and forearm them for that sad trial, he gave them a glimpse of the future glory which was to be theirs, too. if they persevered.

It is for this same reason that this all-important event in the life of Christ and of his Apostles has been preserved for us in the Gospels and is put before us today.

Like the Apostles, we. too, believe firmly in God. We. too, are convinced that Christ was sent by God to bring us to heaven. We now have much more convincing proof that Christ was not only the Messiah, an envoy of God, but the very Son of God—something the Apostles did not then understand. But we are still very like them in our human weakness, and in our half-hearted acceptance of God's purpose for and promises to us.

The Apostles had to face the awful test to their faith and trust in God, which the passion and crucifixion of Christ was for them. We now accept with gratitude and realize that Christ "had to suffer and thus enter into his glory." We even understand that the very purpose of Christ's passion was that, in spite of our mortality and weakness, we also might enter into eternal glory through his suffering, on condition that we remain true to our faith.

In our moments of cool, calm reasoning we can see clearly how good God has been to us, how wonderful his love which has arranged for us an eternity of happiness, the perfect fulfillment of every rational human desire. We can also see how little God asks of us during our few short years here, in return for the everlasting happy home he has prepared for us.

But unfortunately we have many moments in life in which cool, calm reasoning does not prevail. We have moments when our vices and not our virtues take charge, moments when we are prepared to sell our eternal heritage in exchange for a mess of earthly pottage. Some of us may already have bartered our heavenly home for some temporal gain or pleasure—but while there is life there is hope. We can still put things right with God.

"Lord, it is good for us to be here"; it is wonderful to be adopted sons of God on the road back to our Father. It is wonderful to be assured that in death this body of ours with its pains and aches, its attraction to earthly things and worse still its propensity to sin, will give place to a glorified body. This glorified body will be free from all pain and corruption and will possess all the human spiritual gifts of intelligence and will to so much greater a degree as will enable us to appreciate and enjoy the eternal happiness in store for us.

Excerpted from The Sunday Readings by Fr. Kevin O'Sullivan, O.F.M.


The Station at Rome is in the church of St. Mary in Dominica, on Monte Celio. Tradition tells us that in this basilica was the diaconicum of which St. Lawrence had charge, and from which he distributed to the poor the alms of the Church.


35 posted on 02/24/2013 6:10:04 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
The Word Among Us

Meditation: Philippians 3:17–4:1

2nd Sunday of Lent

My joy and crown … stand firm in the Lord. (Philippians 4:1)

Not only was St. Paul passionate about his faith, he was also highly educated. He was well versed in the Hebrew Scriptures as well as in Jewish and Roman law. He was fluent in multiple languages and was an accomplished debater as well. But in spite of all these achievements, Paul considered the people he served to be his true “crown.” Every person, whether educated or uneducated, rich or poor, Jew or Greek, held a special place in his heart. In today’s second reading, as he encourages his friends in Philippi to stand firm, Paul can’t help but tell them how deeply he treasures them.

If these people were jewels in Paul’s crown, how much more are we all jewels in Jesus’ crown! Each one of us, regardless of our achievements, skills, history, or social status, is a precious treasure to the Lord. He considers each of us—yes, even you—worth his time and his energy. You are so valuable to him, in fact, that he became a man and willingly shed his own blood in order to win you back to his Father.

The thought that we are so valuable to Jesus can help us to stand firm—just as the Philippians stood firm. Knowing that the Lord of all creation considers us so important can strengthen us in the battle against temptation. It can reveal to us the great dignity that we have in Christ. It can convince us that we don’t have to settle for a lesser experience of God’s love and grace. If Jesus considers each of us worth dying for, surely we can consider him worth living for!

At Mass today, we will hear the story of Jesus’ transfiguration. As you do, picture yourself on that mountain with Jesus. Tell yourself that he went through the cross so that you could be transfigured with him in heaven. You are of infinite value to the Lord. You certainly can stand firm because of his love for you!

“Lord Jesus, show me how precious I am to you.”

Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18

Philippians 3:17–4:1
 
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion

1. Lent is not an isolated personal affair. As we begin this Second Sunday in Lent, we are reminded in the first reading that beginning with Abraham we belong to a great people to whom God has given a promise and a covenant. Your family and your parish are part of the people of God. What steps are you taking this Lent to help your family and your parish prepare for the Easter celebration?

2. The Responsorial Psalm is a prayer in which the Psalmist asks God not to hide his face from him—so that he may seek his presence. What does the Psalmist say is the benefit of such seeking? What practical steps can you take this Lent to spend more time seeking God’s presence in prayer?

3. In the second reading, St. Paul, who so loved the Christian community that he called it his “joy and crown,” reminds us that our true “citizenship is in heaven.” What do you think St. Paul meant by this statement? What approach can you take this Lent (e.g., almsgiving and fasting) that will provide evidence of where your true citizenship resides?

4. In the Gospel, both the law and the prophets (Moses and Elijah), as well as the very voice of the Father himself, bear witness to Jesus. The Holy Father, in his teachings and his writings, repeatedly asks us to be a witness to others for Jesus. What are some obstacles in your life in bearing witness to Jesus? What are some ways you can overcome them?

5. In the meditation, we are reminded that Jesus “went through the cross so that we could be transfigured with him in heaven.” Do you consider this future reality as you read the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration? Does your experience at Mass, in prayer, or while reading Scripture, reflect the promise that you can hear from heaven and be transformed by what you hear and experience? How can you strengthen this reality in your life?

6. Has there ever been a time when you believe you heard God “speak” to you. What was the impact on your life?

7. Take some time now to pray and ask for the grace to more deeply understand and experience the truth of who you are in Christ. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as a starting point.


36 posted on 02/24/2013 6:14:21 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
A Christian Pilgrim

GOD WILL REVEAL HIMSELF TO US

(A biblical reflection on the 2nd Sunday of Lent, Year C – 24 February 2013)

Gospel Reading: Luke 9:28-36 

First Reading: Gen 15:5-121,17-18; Psalms: Ps 27:1,7-9,13-14; Second Reading: Phil 3:17-4:1 (Phil 3:20-4:1)

The Scripture Text

TRANSFIGURASI - 12

Now about eight days after these saying He took with Him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And as He as praying, the appearance of His countenance was altered, and His raiment became dazzling white. And behold, two men talked with Him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His departure, which He was to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with Him were heavy with sleep but kept awake, and they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. And as the  men were parting from Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah – not knowing what he said. As he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen; listen to Him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen. (Lk 9:28-36 RSV) 

The revelation of Jesus that the three disciples experienced at the transfiguration can give us a glimpse of what can ultimately happen in our own prayer lives. God wants to reveal His glory and His love to us as well. Many of us might wonder how we could have such an experience with God. We may or may not see grand visions of heaven, but we can be sure that as we pray and ponder His word, God will reveal Himself.

Prayer need not be a complicated activity, filled with the right words and feelings. God just wants us to speak to Him from our hearts and listen for His reply. It is important that our prayer be consistent. A good way to ensure this is to set aside some time – ten or fifteen minutes every day – to meet the Lord. It is also very helpful to choose a place free from distractions and a time when we are alert and sensitive to God’s voice.

Begin by inviting the Holy Spirit to come and help you pray. Recall and proclaim in faith the truth that God loves you and that He wants to speak to you. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you repent of any sin that might be hindering your relationship with Him. Then, with your conscience freed up by the mercy of God, praise the Lord and thank Him for His mercy, forgiveness, and abundant blessings.

The disciples had been following Jesus for quite a while before the transfiguration. Similarly, we must remember that a deep and meaningful prayer life may not happen overnight. If we begin with small steps, we will see our lives change as God reveals Himself to us more and more. May we all come to experience the glory of Jesus as fully as Peter and the others did! Nothing can compare to such a revelation.

Short Prayer: Holy Spirit, apart from You we cannot do anything. We ask You to teach us to pray. Show us Jesus in all His glory so that our hearts would burn with love for Him. Amen.


37 posted on 02/24/2013 7:08:44 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
A Christian Pilgrim

LENT IS OUR TRANSFIGURATION TIME

 (A biblical reflection on the 2nd Sunday of Lent, Year C – 24 February 2013)

First Reading: Gen 15:5-121,17-18; Psalms: Ps 27:1,7-9,13-14; Second Reading: Phil 3:17-4:1 (Phil 3:20-4:1); Gospel Reading: Lk 9:28-36 

TRANSFIGURASI - 7

Rising abruptly from the cultivated plains of northern Israel is the famed Mount Tabor – Galilee’s most picturesque mountain. This majestic, tree-covered elevation is six miles east of Nazareth. Honored in Jewish history as the site of a decisive victory over the Canaanites, it is hallowed by Christians as the sacred scene of the transfiguration of Jesus.

Atop this 1600 foot mountain, tradition says the three privileged apostles witnessed an astonishing change in the appearance of their Master. Bathed in glorious light, Jesus accepted approval from the Father as His “Beloved Son.” He also received support from two of the most outstanding names in Hebrew history – Moses and Elijah. The Lord’s radiant splendor, previously disguised, here stood revealed.

It was a sneak preview of the Resurrection and was the closest glimpse of heaven that Peter, James and John had ever seen. Mesmerized by all of this, Peter expressed a strong desire to remain. Speaking in behalf of the other two apostles, he offered to pitch tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. He, James and John would be content to sleep in the open, if only they could stay.

Gradually the two Old Testament celebrities faded into the thin mountain air, as did the emphatic request of Peter. Sufficient would be the memory, since it was not God’s plan for the Redeemer and His apostles to settle on the mountain, basking in carefree glory.

“This is My beloved Son,” had been proclaimed at Jesus’ baptism, and now again these words were repeated with the Father’s additional advice, “hear Him.” This even moved Jesus to begin speaking openly of His coming death and Resurrection. He said, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”

There’s goodness and glory in all of us – often unseen and unappreciated by others and even by ourselves. God sees more than meets the human eye and it’s His grace that makes us truly beautiful. It’s good to remember that, especially in hard times. Jesus must have recalled Mount Tabor when He climbed His next mount – Calvary. The memory helped Him to know that the Father had not forsaken Him.

Lent is our transfiguration time, to be achieved through reconciliation, the Eucharist, good works and prayers. During this season of reform, we are encouraged to deepen our internal attractiveness. There’s hidden beauty in all, but especially in those souls approved by God. They are gradually being transfigured into everlasting glory.

Note: Taken from Fr. James McKarns, GO TELL EVERYONE, Makati, Philippines: ST. PAUL PUBLICATIONS, 1985, pages 206-207.


38 posted on 02/24/2013 7:10:58 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
 
Marriage = One Man and One Woman
Til' Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for February 24, 2013:

Today’s Gospel is the account of the Transfiguration. Just as Jesus’s body was “glorified,” marriage can be an experience of miraculous ecstasy – not all the time, but at special moments. It is a grace that carries us through the mundane times. Share a time of ecstasy.


39 posted on 02/24/2013 7:26:54 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Sunday Scripture Study

Scripture Study

Second Sunday of Lent – Cycle C

Opening prayer

Genesis 15:5-12,17-18 (Ps 27:1,7-9,13-14) Philippians 3:20—4:1 Luke 9:28b-36

Overview of the Gospel:

In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus, having just made his first prediction of his Passion (Luke 9:22),

takes three of his Apostles (Peter, John, and James) up to Mt. Tabor to pray. Jesus often

prays at momentous times in his life (see Luke 6:12; 9:18; 11:1; 22:41; 23:46), and these

same three Apostles are often present at crucial times (see Luke 5:37; 14:33).

During Jesus’ prayer, he is transfigured so that his divine glory (usually veiled by his human

flesh) is revealed, in a limited way, to these three Apostles. Their experience recalls the

experience of Israel at another mountain (Sinai) where in a similar way God’s glory was seen

and his voice heard (see Exodus 20:18-21 and Deuteronomy 5:24).

The presence of Moses and Elijah represent, respectively, the Jewish Law and Prophets

whose voices Israel had always been urged to heed. Jesus, who is the fulfillment of the Law

and the Prophets, is God’s chosen Son; God’s voice tells us to “listen to him” (verses 35-36).

Questions:

In the First Reading, why was Abram (later renamed Abraham by God) doubtful of God’s

promises? Ultimately, upon what did Abram place his trust that God would fulfill the promises

that he had made to make of Abram a great nation with innumerable descendents?

Why would Jesus take these three disciples to witness this event? How is this related to: (a)

Peter’s confession (verses 18-20)? (b) Jesus’ prophecy (verse 22)? (c) The preceding saying

(verse 27)? (d) The radiant face of Moses (Exodus 34:29-30)?

Why is this event misunderstood by Peter (verse 33)? Underscored by God (verses 34-35)?

When have you experienced God in an unusual manner? What happened?

When it comes to listening to Jesus, how hard of hearing are you?

What do you do to obey the command of the Father to obey his Son?

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 554-56, 697, 2600

Closing prayer

The saints are like the stars. In his providence Christ conceals them in a hidden place that they may

not shine before others when they might wish to do so. Yet they are always ready to exchange the

quiet of contemplation for the works of mercy as soon as they perceive in their heart the invitation of

Christ. -St. Anthony of Padua

Remember to read and meditate on the daily Mass readings!

Sunday Scripture Study for Catholics

www.sundayscripturestudy.com

 


40 posted on 02/24/2013 7:36:27 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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