Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Psalm 27: 1, 7-9, 13-14; Philippians 3: 17-4:1; Luke 9: 28b-36
“Hope is a gift of grace amid the realities of life.” –Pope Francis
The readings for today emphasize hope which is a driving force of life.
Where there no hope, there is fear. But if we can share our hopes with those around us and those who come after us, then we can proclaim: “The Lord is my light and my salvation, of whom should I be afraid.”
We pray in the Jubilee Prayer for 2025, “Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom. May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.”
So how have we been cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel? How have we experienced transfigurations in our everyday lives? Perhaps in the beauties of a sunset after the storm; maybe we experience strength and support as we collect food and clothing for the homeless shelter; we see neighbors lending a hand to one another; we support families and friends in their time of anxiety and grief. These everyday transfigurations touch our hearts and the hearts of others.
Today and throughout Lent, let us try to recognize the transfigurations in our daily lives and give thanks to God.