Jesus tells his disciples not to be afraid when they are gripped by fear at seeing the transfiguration. It is natural for us human beings to be afraid of something, especially something that is new or beyond our comfort zone or that goes against our personality. In Scripture, we sometimes hear the words of an angel saying not to be afraid when that angel appears to someone according to a mission to God. The light of Christ can dazzle us, even to the point of making us afraid. Yet, if we place our trust and hope in our faith, we will be reassured, we will feel strength, courage, and confidence. Jesus also tells us that we must take up our crosses and follow him. The disciples see a foretaste of Christ’s glory in the transfiguration of the Lord on the mountaintop, but they must return to carrying their crosses and to working toward the fulfillment of God’s kingdom. If we persevere, if we commit ourselves, if we work with conviction in our ministries and in our proclamation of God’s kingdom, then God will bless us on our journey. We are called to transformation on our journey of faith. Our faith, if it truly means something to us, will bring about transformation. May we move beyond our fears and our discomfort to let the light of Christ transform us and to transform others.
This week, I will be away for three weekends in a row on mission appeals. I will miss being with all of you, but I know that Father McGing will enjoy celebrating Mass with all of you. Through the mission appeals, I am able to bring our Diocese’s story to other parts of the United States. This month, the mission appeals will be in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, in the communities of Burbank, Arcadia, and San Gabriel. Blessings to all of you as we celebrate the Transfiguration. Father Lincoln.
No comments:
Post a Comment