Our parish Lenten theme this year are the words taken from a gospel song that we sing: "Lord, help me to hold out!" Each Sunday after Communion, a member of the Liturgy Committee will give a short reflection on the Gospel for this week and how our theme connects with the Gospel. This week's Gospel tells the story of the Transfiguration, Matthew 17:1-9. I was selected to give this reflection for the Second Sunday of Lent.
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Lord, help me to hold out...
Until my change comes!
In today's Gospel, we learn that Peter, James and John were chosen to witness a profound change as Jesus was transfigured before them. There on the mountain, His glory, which is the glory of God, was revealed to them.
"Lord, it is good that we are here," they said.
The apostles recognized that something wonderful was happening and they wanted to capture those moments and to hold on to them forever. They responded in such a human way as they planned to set up tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah so that they could remain in that holy place. But they didn't really understand what this transfiguration meant and then were terrified when the Father spoke from the cloud... "This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased... listen to Him." By giving these instruction to the apostles, Our Heavenly Father was telling them that if they paid attention to Jesus, their lives would be transformed too...
During this Lenten season, we are asked to change our lives. To listen to what the Beloved Son is telling us through His suffering and death... To have faith that no matter what trials we are facing, God's grace and mercy will carry us through. To forgive others as Jesus did from the cross... To reconcile with others before we bring our gifts to the altar. To recognize that acceptance of God's grace allows us to change.
When our lives are truly lived with the light of Christ within us, we will be transformed also... Our light will shine like the sun!
So, we ask God to help us to hold out... To give us patience... until our change comes.
What to do... What to do...
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and I am still up in the air as to what I want to give up or do extra for Lent. I had no problem deciding what to do last year because I discovered two weekday Masses at a local hospital chapel that I began attending. I was so happy about that and have now made it a given to attend them each week. I met many nice folks because of it and even more importantly, I was able to receive my Lord Jesus more often.
This year I have thought of several different ways to enrich my Lenten experience but nothing has grabbed me as tightly as those extra Masses did last year. Here is a list of some of the things I thought about and that I am considering and will probably offer up for Lent:
1. I would like to spend some real quality time in meditation. I have only done this hit or miss. I have to find a way not to become so easily distracted. It's probably because I am older and thus my mind wanders more easily to daily happenings.
2. I recently bought Ascent of Mount Carmel by St. John of the Cross. I'm pretty sure I will begin reading that book tomorrow. I love to read anyway and always have a book or two at hand (I own a bookshop which makes my habit convenient!).
3. Lent is always a good time to lose some weight so I will do my best to desist from my favorite crunchies... Even my son (who lives with me and is not a believer) has said no more cookies for him! That will save me on my grocery bill, don'cha think!
4. I have one of those coin boxes from Church that are given out before Lent to place one's change in for the poor... Maybe some of that extra grocery money can find its way into that.
5. And now a biggie! What to do about my life on the internet. Between Plurk, Facebook, Chat and special websites that I visit, I spend a lot of time online. Some things I do require a web presence for me but there is a lot of time that I spend online that is not necessary. And there is lots that I put off that needs to be done at home... Well, I guess I answered my own question...
6. There is also lots in my spiritual life that needs work... I'll just have to take those things a day at a time and see if I can remove some of the things that keep me from God.
So, that's about it! I would guess many of you are in the same boat as I am... Wanting to make a difference in our lives... Not sure exactly how to go about it except with little steps and with big trust in the Holy Spirit...
AMEN!
