My dear Friends in Christ,
How often do we aspire to mountaintop experiences like Peter, James, and John in our search for excellence and success? We are not going to gain spiritual rewards all of the time. We tend to place our expectations much higher than we should and we risk putting our faith under duress. We always try to put our best foot forward, but we must be realistic that we may falter and not always be perfect or successful. Faith has its highs and lows and we are constantly being transformed. The transfiguration of Jesus that the disciples experienced was an invitation for them to undergo transformation of their own. We also are invited. Paul tells the Philippians that the Lord Jesus Christ will transfigure wretched bodies into copies of His glorious body. We might ask how can we be transformed. It takes listening to Jesus and all that He invites us to be and to do even if it means going against the “way we’ve always done it.” It means listening to the words that caused such difficulty for Peter and his companions. It means trusting completely and walking His way to bring us into full union with God. Please read the information in the bulletin regarding the 24 Hours For The Lord which in essence is our Lenten Day of Recollection and Penance.
If anyone is interested in volunteering in serving at the St. Francis Inn Soup Kitchen in Philadelphia on Fridays, please contact Sister Robert at the Convent at 609.871.4226.
We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and for a peaceful ending.
May God bless you all,
Father John