Saturday, February 23, 2019
Today, in Mercy, we have a flash back to Hebrews from a few weeks ago, and we have the account of the Transfiguration. How might these readings be related?
Hebrews seems to be a perfect summary and complement to the Genesis readings of the last few weeks. Paul ties together the faithful testimonies of the ancestors:
- By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice greater than Cain’s.
- By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death.
- By faith Noah, warned about what was not yet seen, with reverence built an ark.
In Mark’s Gospel of the Transfiguration, Peter, James and John become the new “faithful ancestors”. Jesus relies on their faith for the foundation of the Church. Therefore, God allows them to experience the Glorified Christ so that their faith can sustain them through the coming Passion and Death.
All these witnesses encourage us to examine our faith. It has already carried us through many challenges in life. Remembering God’s past fidelity to us can strengthen us and help us focus on what is most important for a joyful life.
God’s voice from the cloud offered perfect advice to the three astounded disciples.
This is my beloved Son.
Listen to him.
Let’s open our hearts to listen to Jesus in prayer, scripture and the always deeply graced circumstances of our lives.
Music: I Will Listen ~ Twila Paris
