Encountering Heavenly Light

2^nd Sunday of Lent

Encountering Heavenly Light

                In the Gospel of the 2^nd Sunday of Lent ((Luke 9:28b-36), Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John. He speaks with Moses and Elijah, and “a voice” establishes Him as the Beloved Son.  In the Presence of God, (and I don’t just mean in referring to the title of this blog), a sense of something far more remarkable than any thing, any person on earth, comes through. Visionaries throughout church history have glimpsed heavenly persons and their lives are forever changed. St. Bernadette, St. Margaret Mary, and St. Juan Diego, to name a few.

                But after an all-too brief time, each were called to continue their work on earth.  Their chores, their caring for family members, and to whatever they were obligated to do. It is the same with us.  After every retreat, every Mass, every prayer, and every time spent with a good friend, we must leave our own “Mount Tabors.”  But the ecstasy does not need to end there.  We can carry it with us to bring that same peace and Light of God to others.

                These beautiful, grace-charged moments may not always come as vividly to our hearts as it did more recently since the “celestial vision.”  After all, did not Jesus feel forsaken in Gethsemane, and more so, on the Cross?  This is why we are called to have Faith, and what a gift it is!  To hope against all discouragement, and to know that God is not just a feeling of consolation, but a Presence that promises that He will stand by us.

                So let us not hold back from these moments of Transfiguration, already dreading their conclusion.  Let us allow ourselves to be nourished and given the grace to give others this constant reminder that we never walk through life alone.  The resurrected Jesus (I’m getting ahead to Easter) guides us.

Levels of Lenten Practices

                We have now reached the 1^st Week of Lent, and I wonder if during these first four days (from Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, to now), we have been able to remain firm in what we have given up or added while crossing this figurative desert?  In the gospel today, Jesus Himself was tempted by the devil. 

                What pokes and pries at the resolutions we have so boldly chosen to make? 

                Sometimes, the things we choose to do for Lent give us a feeling of heroism.  Either we are walking valiantly (and maybe with pride in that respect) or we are crawling with surprise at what we have chosen to do.

                For me personally, I found it difficult to even decide on a resolution.  My current state of health so quickly contradicts my usual ideas to do more spiritual reading, longer devotionals, or a newer aspiration I’ve had, of visiting the sick.  There is nothing wrong with these intentions, but God does not shame us for being unable to do for the sake of personal growth and love for God. 

                But I recall how St. Therese, my little friend, sees the best things to be the hidden ones.  They are like a secret between two lovers, only you and Jesus know what great lengths it took, and yet how can lay it before Him with one innocent gaze into the eyes that notice.

                For example, it can be so easy for me to be down about my situation.  But I have found it now only helpful for myself, but a joy to others when I spare myself some relief by deciding to write a letter to a distant friend or relative.  Or, if I’m able to at the time, make some cookies and share them with a friend.  Oh no, I’ve given some of my precious deeds away!  Well, now you know!

                The desert comes in different forms and demands.  Extravagant or with a call to be creative.  Maybe Sundays can become a special day to pause and reflect on how these resolutions are going.  Keep going!  God sees.

First 24 Hours of Lent

                Well, it is the day after Ash Wednesday and the holy season of lent has begun.  I pray that this time in the “desert” is a fruitful time of growing in holiness and closer to Our Lord.  It made me wonder today about how I am living up to this Facebook Page’s title: “A Catholic Presence.”  Not that I need to be sticking it in people’s faces. But am I an authentic Christian in deed and frequent in receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion?

                Let us enter by the “Narrow Way.” 

                Come Lord, help us to understand what you are calling us to. Our Lady of Sorrows, in your fidelity at Calvary, help me to see and trust that Jesus is here for us in His redeeming love; and that we can be there for Him in His passion too. Amen.