Daily Reflection – 8/6/19
Sacred Scripture
Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up a 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.( Luke 9: 28-36)
Reflection
In today’s Gospel, for a brief moment, Christ reveals a glimpse of his true glory. Gathered with his closest apostles and with the greatest prophets from the Old Testament, he lifts the veil cloaking his divinity. When these three disciples went off to be alone with Jesus and pray, they saw his glory and came to know him better.
Here too, Jesus teaches us how to come closer to him, how to hear the voice of the Father and encounter the glory of God: by taking time to go off and be alone with him in prayer. In such moments of intimacy with God we will find the light and strength we need to convert the world instead of being converted by it. God has something to say to us; he wants us to discover him and his plan for our lives. .But if we refuse to go “up the mountain to pray,” we won’t be able to hear him.
The best way to is by dedicating ourselves more than usual to prayer, to heartfelt conversation with Christ. Christ has so much he wants to tell us – at all times and in so many ways – that all we need to do is “listen to him,” which is impossible unless we set aside time to pray.
In this scene, Christ also shows how personal his love is. Jesus is preparing his three closest friends for the mission they will have to carry out later. His love for each of us is just as personal and just as wise. He knows what we need when we need it. He gives us moments of consolation in prayer to propel us through dark periods of dryness. All he asks is that we follow along, trusting him, even when we don’t understand or when we feel clumsy and ignorant. Peter, James, and John didn’t become saints overnight, and neither will we. But if we stay close to the Lord, we will eventually – he will make sure of it.
Prayer of The Day
Teach me to pray, Lord. Teach me to tune in to your voice. Not only during specific prayer commitments, but all throughout the day. I want to live each current moment to the full, pouring my love into your will, dedicating myself to whatever you ask of me with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Lord, help me to know you more, love you more and serve you more faithfully in my life.
Daily Note
We need to go up the mountain to find grace to have strength in our fears, to find the faith, hope and love that addresses fear. Retreat, time of prayer every day, good conversations, a seaside walk. Going up the mountain can be literal, or spending good time with our loved ones. The unexamined life can keep us from being spiritually awake. Maybe we’re frantically occupied with daily anxieties of life or seeking pleasure, prestige, or wealth. Are you awake? Examine your thoughts, words, and actions! I wonder how much we miss of God’s glory because we are asleep spiritually? Be alert and attentive! We do not want to miss Him!
