Peter, James and John see Jesus in a moment of dazzling glory as the Lord prepares to journey on to Jerusalem for his Passion on the Cross. In our tough times may the Lord’s light shine on our hearts to encourage us to stay the course.
Mass Readings – The Transfiguration of the Lord
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Jesus reveals his power to the disciples in the midst of a storm, inviting us to call upon Him in our need as well.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 18th Week of the Year
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The Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples, empowering and transforming them with grace. May we call upon the gift of the Spirit in our lives today, embracing the gifts we have received and sharing them in the world.
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Jeremiah reminds us that we put our trust in God as we face the dangers of life.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 5th Week of Lent
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Living one’s life for the Lord does not mean it will be easy; rather, we face the struggles before us with God’s grace to carry out what must be done. A blessed life, then, is not about wealth, health, or earthly glory…it’s about being in right relationship with Jesus Christ.
Mass Readings – 6th Sunday of the Year
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The death of John the Baptist reminds us of the cost of discipleship. Yet as we look at the Cross of Christ, we find hope and strength to face the hardship of life with the conviction of the Lord’s saving death and resurrection.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 4th Week of the Year
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The Lord’s words to the disciples speak to us as well: “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” As we face the challenges of life may we look to Jesus for the grace we need to carry on.
Mass Readings – Wednesday after Epiphany
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Mass Readings – Saturday of the 28th Week of the Year
The Lord reminds us of two important facts: first, we will encounter tough times for the sake of the Gospel; second, we will be given the grace we need to face them. May the light of Jesus Christ shine in our hearts during dark moments as we seek to follow the Lord through this life.
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Mass Readings – Friday of the 28th Week of the Year
What are you afraid of? Jesus invites us to cast out fear and trust in God’s providence. May we honestly face our fears and call upon the Lord for the courage and conviction we require.
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Study: When was a time when I failed to speak up? When was a time I failed to listen?
Pray: Call upon the Lord for the wisdom to know when to speak and when to take heart to the words of another.
Serve: Is there someone in my life right now that I am called to speak to? Or listen to?
Mass Readings – 23rd Sunday of the Year
Do you remember the Aesop’s fable “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” that we used to hear as children? It is a simple yet profound tale. A young boy is given the responsibility to watch over the animals in the event of an attack from the wolves. Bored of his duties he calls out “Wolf!” and laughs as the area villagers come running.
Delighted with his game the boy cries “Wolf!” a few more times, each time getting the attention of the people. Finally disgusted with his actions they no longer respond, even when a real wolf shows up and attacks the child; his failure to keep watch prevented his message from being heard.
In the first reading today Ezekiel says that being a prophet is a lot like being a watchman. The watchman was responsible for protecting the people from bandits and wild animals. The watchman was required to stay alert, remaining vigilant and ready to call out in a moment’s notice should danger arise.
If danger came, and the watchman failed to alert the people, then the watchman was at fault. But if the watchman called the alarm and no one came, then the people were at fault. Simply put, if the watchman does his duty and no one comes, then those who hear the warning and fail to respond are held accountable.
Likewise, anyone who hears a word of encouragement or guidance and fails to respond is also accountable. Ezekiel, the Psalm, and the Gospel today all point out that there are times when we must open our hearts to messages that we may not want to hear. We may be tempted to “harden our hearts.”
Let’s face it. No one wants to be told what to do. No one wants to be disciplined or chastised; we love our freedom and independence too much for that! Yet there are times when the Church is empowered to keep watch, lest members of the community drift into choices and actions which are harmful and destructive.
This is not easy! The scriptures today alert us to the fact that there are moments when we may be asked to either give or receive a hard word out of love. We might have to give it – to help another from making a mistake. We might have to receive it – and allow another to help us from falling into trouble. Keeping watch is never easy, but without the support of each other, we run the risk of a far greater harm.
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