Abram is ask to see and hear his life differently, not just through the eyes and ears of the world but also through the eyes and ears of faith. For Abram, like Peter, James and John, what he sees and hears is terrifying, awesome and wonderful. Abram is gifted with the presence of God. It is presence that is overwhelming and terrifying but a presence that graces and blesses him. God's presence in Abram's life blesses him with a covenant that will make him the father of a great nation. It was Abram's faith that made this relationship, this covenant possible.
For Peter, James and John things are a little different. They are gifted with God's presence it is a presence that too is overwhelming and terrifying. They encounter the breath of God's covenant and the essence of Jesus divine nature. They want to hang on to both but quickly learn that they cannot. It is an encounter to be remembered, an encounter that they can take with them as they return to the life they live. It becomes for them an encounter of hope. Even though they must return to their everyday life, to the struggles, difficulties, the challenges, even though they must go back down the mountain and continue their journey to the next mountain, Calvary, they have this memory that will keep alive the hope they need no matter what they encounter.
And so it is for us as we continue this journey of Lent, this journey of life. We too have an encounter with the presence of God. It perhaps doesn't seem as terrifying or as awesome and Abram's or Peter, James and John's. It sometimes is quickly forgotten but if we have faith it is the very hope that will help us continue this journey with all its struggles, with all it difficulties, with all its challenges. Our encounter with God is the Eucharist. It is our covenant, it is our mountain top, it is our moment to see and hear God not through the eyes and ears of the world, but through the eyes and ears of faith!
Daily Lenten Prayer: Loving God, you invite us to listen to and walk with your beloved Son, Jesus. Nourish us today with his Word and Eucharist that we might have the spiritual sight and hearing that only a life of faith can bring. Help us to rejoice in the hope of your presence in our life. Grace us with your love that we may always hear your voice and see your face and live with you as our light and salvation. Bless us with a faith that always keeps us amazed and open to your loving presence. Amen!
Runner's Thought: Sometimes we think of Sunday as a day of rest, yet we want to run. Perhaps we need to think of our running today and every Sunday as a time of rest, as a time of prayer, as a time that will renew, strengthen and enliven us for the new week ahead!
A blessed Sunday to all! I hope today will truly be a day of rest for you, though I know many of you have busy lives and today might include that busyness. If so I hope you find at least a little rest and relaxation today!
I opened my journey of mission here at Corpus Christi Parish in Bismarck, ND yesterday afternoon and evening with a mass attended by almost 900 people. It was a wonderful celebration and one that took me to the mountain top for a few moments! I ask your continued prayers for the faith community at Corpus Christi and their preacher that we might make the stay on the mountain top last these next few days as we celebrate a time of mission.
Blessings go out to everyone today. Enjoy your Sunday and may it be a time that nourishes and refreshes you for the journey of this new week and whatever it brings to your life! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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