Gospel:  (Luke 9: 28-36)

 Jesus took Peter, John and James and went up the mountain to pray.  While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white….Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.  Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying.  While he was speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them…Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son, listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.

Reflection:

 The only way for us to “remain” in Jesus’ glory is to accept the baptismal challenge to recognize Jesus as the beloved Son and to “Listen to him.” This means that we take to heart gospel living.  This Sunday we are given a glimpse of glory to help us on our journey of a lifetime of self-emptying.  This tells us something about how we might keep Sundays.  If each Sunday is a day of rest, a time to be good to ourselves, to do something special that is uplifting, to enter into a moment of glory by praying, we would be better fortified to continue our journey.  (Living Liturgy, p.74)

Vincentian Meditation:

 Though God is utterly transcendent, do we not experience the self-communication of God at times? Looking back at times, do we not perceive that we have been transformed by events that were beyond our control, often by our contact with the poor, by their faith, their gratitude, their persistent trust in God’s presence and providence? Are there not “angels” who enter our lives and touch us deeply because of their authentic witness to the gospels, because of their persevering hope in the face of sickness, suffering and death?  Are there not occasions when we are deeply touched by the loyalty of friends, by their faithful love? Are these not ways in which we glimpse God’s freely-bestowed presence in our own human experience?  I suggest this Lent that we focus on growing in awareness of God’s self-gift, in its many expressions, and raise our hearts and voices to the Lord in gratitude. (Maloney, Go! On the Missionary Spirituality of St. Vincent de Paul, p. 99)

Discussion: (Share your thoughts after a moment of silence)

                     How have you experienced God touching your life?

 Closing Prayer:

            Christ appeared in the splendor of a vision to his disciples,

-may we find the face of Jesus in ordinary events of our life.

            For all Vincentians who dedicate themselves to the service,

-may their love and justice transfigure the lives of the poor.

            We bring all of our petitions before God,

-may God’s face shine upon us. Amen