February 28, 2010

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Please welcome Fr. Steve Sanford! As you enjoy Father Steve’s presence here, please know that I will be extending your greetings and love to the people of his parish, Sacred Heart Church on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Already one in Christ, may this weekend pastor exchange deepen the affection of our parishes for one another.

Today, we celebrate a visible and audible epiphany on the mountain top. Not only is Jesus transfigured before Peter, John and James that they might see His glory as the glory of God, but they also hear the Father’s voice, “This is My chosen Son; listen to Him!”

Following Christ to Jerusalem and embracing his Passion this Lent is not only daunting, but it’s fraught with temptations. We need the clarity of the Rock, the trust of the Beloved Disciple and the willingness of one of the earliest martyrs, the Son of Thunder. Yet even these stumbled. But like them we, too, must get up and keep following the Way, Truth and Life that leads to Easter joy!

When the journey gets tough and when darkness and pain seem to surround us, we, too, need to know that the One that we follow is God. But not only this… we also need to see clearly who we truly are. In the Transfiguration we are invited to remember that we are called God’s beloved children, heirs to the kingdom. In our communion with Christ and in our sharing in His sacrificial love, we are to see in one another, truly the Body of Christ. Christ’s journey is our journey and we need not be afraid. We are not alone. 

Peter, in a moment that transcended his comprehension, wasn’t far off the mark in his desire to build tabernacles for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. Who wouldn’t want to remain in such a heavenly embrace! Would that our eyes always perceive the Divine Presence in each other. For each time we gather at Mass, we enter the Holy of Holies as heaven touches earth, and we receive Him, becoming living tabernacles of the Divine Presence. Open our eyes to see this truth. Let us pray for and cherish one another, brothers and sisters, truly in Christ. We must come down from the holy mountain of the divine liturgy and continue on the road to Jerusalem… hopefully always with a little more clarity, trust and willingness to love as He loves.      

I want to thank all those who have participated in our mini surveys. I’m delighted to hear your comments. The survey this weekend pertains to liturgy. If you missed one of the previous surveys, you can find it on our web site.

Finally, I want to congratulate all those who made their First Reconciliation. May they always know God’s love and mercy.

With family, friends and those you meet, please discuss the following Question of the Week: When has your life been changed through repentance?

In Christ’s Peace,

  
Rev. Leo M. Goodman III
Pastor