What
can blind us or keep us from recognizing God's glory in our lives? Sin and
unbelief for sure! Faith enables us to see what is hidden or unseen to the
naked eye. Through the eyes of faith Abraham recognized God and God's call on
his life. He saw from afar not only what God intended for him, but for his
descendants as well - an everlasting covenant of friendship and peace with the
living God. Abraham is the father of faith because he put his hope in the
promises of God. Faith makes us taste in advance the light of God's glory when
we shall see him face to face. Are you prepared to see God's glory? God is
eager to share his glory with us! We get a glimpse of this when the disciples
see Jesus transfigured on the mountain. Jesus' face changed in appearance and
his clothing became dazzling white. When Moses met with God on Mount Sinai the
skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. Paul says that the
Israelites could not look at Moses' face because of its brightness (2
Corinthians 3:7). In the Gospel account Jesus appeared in glory with Moses, the
great lawgiver of Israel, and with Elijah, the greatest of the prophets, in the
presence of three of his beloved apostles - Peter, James, and John.
What
is the significance of this mysterious appearance? Jesus went to the mountain
knowing full well what awaited him in Jerusalem - his betrayal, rejection and
crucifixion. Jesus very likely discussed this momentous decision to go to the
cross with Moses and Elijah. God the Father also spoke with Jesus and gave his
approval: This is my beloved Son; listen to him. The Father glorified his son
because he obeyed. The cloud which overshadowed Jesus and his apostles
fulfilled the dream of the Jews that when the Messiah came the cloud of God's
presence would fill the temple again. The Lord Jesus not only wants us to see
his glory - he wants to share this glory with us. And Jesus shows us the way to
the Father's glory: follow me - obey my words - take the path I have chosen for
you and you will receive the blessings of my Father's kingdom - your name will
be written in heaven. Jesus succeeded in his mission because he went to Calvary
so that Paradise would be restored to us once again. He embraced the cross to
obtain the crown of glory that awaits each one of us, if we will follow in his
footsteps.
Friday
Evenings: Friday Mass and Stations of the Cross.
7
pm Mass and Stations at 7:30 pm
Fr.
Phil’s Roast Beef Dinner: Thanks to all who helped make the Roast Beef Dinner a
resounding success last week. A special thanks to the dream team who worked so
tirelessly, since Tuesday, to make the event so memorable. Also, the cooks, the
servers, those who took care of the bar and the tickets and the people who
cleaned up and did the dishes, many thanks. Thanks to Sean who did the music
for us too.
Fr. Phil
