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One of the ways I think of the Transfiguration of Jesus is as Radiant mercy & Radiant joy. Brilliant and radiant is the panoramic view from the top of Mount Tabor; I was there in January 1994. The vista takes your breath away as you gaze down upon the fields, roads, hills and distant towns of the Israeli countryside.

Radiant mercy & Radiant joy. What the three disciples [Peter, James and John] witnessed on Mount Tabor teaches us that Jesus’ messianic suffering is the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation. It affirms that Jesus is truly God’s beloved Son. You can sense the joy of the Father’s self-emptying love expressed in the words spoken from the cloud: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”

The Transfiguration scene reminds us of the creation story and invites us to ponder the re-creating effect of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection: eternal rest and everlasting life in the presence of God. In heaven, we hope to enjoy a happiness and splendor greater than what anything on earth could provide for us. Hope-filled and Joy-filled reassurance! This is what the three disciples beheld and experienced on Mount Tabor.

Whenever we make the Stations of the Cross we can unite ourselves more deeply with the cross of Christ and draw closer to his self-sacrificing love. Radiant mercy & Radiant joy. Walking the Way of the Cross with Jesus provides us an opportunity to experience the transforming effects of grace in our souls; pausing for a brief moment at each station offers a lasting impression upon our weary hearts and souls. 

Through our prayers during this season of Lent we ask the Lord to transform us in his love. Join me in praying that our hearts be truly transfigured by the grace, love and fullness of God’s Spirit. Radiant mercy & Radiant joy!

Questions to Reflect upon this week: 
Adults- How deeply do you believe that since God is for you, no one can destroy you?

Children-  What would you like to ask God to do for you and your family?  

Sometimes we think about making big plans for Lenten sacrificing, only to fall behind with work, family, and other responsibilities. We find ourselves in the second week of Lent with no commitment to better prayer lives, doing good deeds, or practicing acts of selfdenial. But it is never too late. Catholic Relief Services offers a great resource to parishes and families for praying, fasting, and charitable giving—all in one simple project. What is so great about this project, known as Operation Rice Bowl (ORB), is that it makes all the right connections. When you put the money you would have spent on a new app or that mocha latte you crave into your Rice Bowl box, you participate in a small yet significant way in Jesus’ sacrifice. CRS provides prayers to accompany your giving, and it uses the money you would have spent on yourself to help people in need. Participating in ORB is an act of solidarity— standing with your brothers and sisters as one human family. Your challenge this week is to adopt Operation Rice Bowl (or your own version of it if your parish doesn’t do it). Give up the extra energy drink, candy bar, movie, or trip to the mall. Put the money in your Rice Bowl, knowing it will be sent to CRS. You will be walking with Jesus while making a difference in the lives of others.

Saint Katherine Drexel

Patron Saint of sick people, captives, and people ridiculed for their piety.
Click on the image below for a short bio and reflection