HYMN The Lord is My Light
OPENING PRAYER
Almighty and ever living God, you invite us deeper into your world, your people, your Lent. May this time be one of outward focus; seeking you in those we often ignore. Help us live a Lent focused on freedom, generosity, and encounter. Give us hearts hungry to serve you and those who need what we have to give. (author unknown, from Xavier University)
GOSPEL Matt 17:1-9
What word or phrase speaks to you? Challenges you? Comforts you?
SILENCE/REFRAIN
The Gospel is read a second time.
MEDITATION
The readings for this Sunday offer us encouragement and hope as we continue our Lenten journey. In the First Reading from Genesis, God tells Abram to go forth to a new land, that He will bless him and make of his people a great nation, and that he (Abram) will be a great blessing to them. In the Second Reading we are reminded that Jesus destroyed death and gives us everlasting life, immortality. The Gospel of the Transfiguration, we read hear that Jesus is transfigured before the disciples’ very eyes and God spoke to them, revealing to them that Jesus is the Son of God. As God spoke, they fell in fear, but Jesus touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” Imagine these life changing events for Abram and for Jesus’ disciples! We are invited to encounter our good God and the love and tenderness of Jesus, especially during Lent. What is God saying to you as you go to the mountaintop? How is Jesus being revealed to you? In what ways are you being transfigured by your encounters with our God and Jesus present among us?
REFLECTION, SUNG REFRAIN
CONTEMPLATION
Imagine being with Jesus and his disciples on the mountaintop. Imagine the light that shone all around them. Recall a moment in your life when God spoke to you so clearly. Recall a moment when Jesus touched your shoulder and said, “Do not be afraid.” As we go through life, we have incredible moments, experiences of God’s profound presence, when we are drawn up into the very mystery of God’s love. It would be lovely to stay in those moments, to not go down the mountain back to the “real world.” We are given these glimpses of God’s glory, of Jesus’ tender touch so that we can return to our daily lives, transformed and ready to share God’s goodness and love with the world. Let us take a few moments to remember and to be once again transfigured and re-energized by God’s love. How will we be Christ’s light and love to those whom we encounter?
SILENT REFLECTION, SUNG REFRAIN
LORD’S PRAYER AND CONCLUSION
CONCLUDING PRAYER
And he was transfigured before them.
Friends caught a dazed glimpse
of him, as he really was!
In blinding brightness,
his clothes turned
dazzling white
as no eyes
on earth
had
ever
seen.
O Christ,
take us to your mountain.
Transform all our acts,
our very being,
into your
love.
Concluding Prayer, copyright © 2021, Anne M. Osdieck. All rights reserved. St. Louis University Sunday Website.
Reflections written by Karen Kane, Director of Pastoral Care, Mt. Notre Dame Health Center