Next Sundy Reflection

My audio of this reflection is podcast at:http://gnm.org/DailyReflections/podcasts/
Good News ReflectionFOR NEXT SUNDAY: March 8, 2009Second Sunday of Lent, Cycle B
Parish bulletins, faith-sharing groups, RCIA: To distribute copies of this reflection, please order the printer-ready leaflet from Catholic Digital Resources:http://catholicdr.com/calendar/Lent/Lent2.htm
Next Sunday's Readings Gen 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18Ps 116:10, 15-19Rom 8:31b-34Mark 9:2-10http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/030809.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_03_08.mp3
In Biblical symbolism, a mountain represents getting close to God. It was at the top of Mount Tabor where Jesus revealed the glory of his Godliness to his closest friends.
Called a "high mountain" in scripture, Mount Tabor is, in reality, not huge. What was huge is the event that took place there — and why. The three disciples who witnessed Christ's transfiguration needed to see it, because someday they would be commissioned to take over his earthly ministry.
The Father told them, "This is my beloved Son; LISTEN TO HIM." As we listen to Jesus, it is WE who are now transfigured. Lent is meant to be a mountain-top experience for us: We must let his light consume the darkness within us.
The more we listen to his teachings and apply them to our daily lives and ministries, the more we become like him. And the more we become like Jesus, the more our lives are transfigured and the more our lives transfigure the world around us.
As the first reading tells us, Abraham did not withhold his son from the Lord, just like God the Father did not withhold his Son from us.
Likewise, we are faithful to the responsibilities of Christian living if we do not withhold the Son from the people we encounter in our daily lives. Whether it's through a kind smile, or a helping hand, or a compassionate and attentive ear, or the generous giving of mercy and forgiveness or money or time, we are Christ's hand's and feet in the world today. We are his voice of truth and his gift of healing. We are his earthly body. We are the answers to people's prayers.
Questions for Personal Reflection:Identify one area of your life that you would like Jesus to transfigure. What do you need to do to repent of it? How do you need to change — with God's help — so that others see more of Jesus?
Questions for Community Faith Sharing:Share the story of a time when you let Jesus change you. How difficult was it to be transfigured? Why did you want to make the change? How did it impact others?
STARTING ON MONDAY, if you're a member of the "Emmaus Journey" e-group, share your answers by writing to EmmausJourney@gnm.org* To join and become a member, go to: http://gogoodnews.net/GNMcommunities/EmmausJourney/
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe