Readings:
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or 2
Peter 1:16-19
Psalm 96: 1-2, 5-6, 9
Luke 9: 28-36
Reflection:
Yesterday we celebrated the beautiful feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus when the disciples just for a few moments saw the glory of God shining on the face of Jesus on the mountain top.
Yesterday was also the anniversary of another explosion of light! But it was no longer the glory of God but an explosion of light and destructive power bursting from the atom bomb over Hiroshima that destroyed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.
Today the opening prayer of the Mass reminds us that “we are taught by the Holy Spirit”. These past two years have been unsettling for us with the plague of Covid bringing so much uncertainty; the terrible violence Russia has unleashed on the people of Ukraine who were just trying to do what all of us try – to live our lives in peace and without fear; and social and economic uncertainty all around us!
The present time and the memories of violence, both past and present, surely encourage us to make greater space for the Holy Spirit of God to bring fresh peace and fresh hope to our lives. We need to let ourselves be taught again by the Holy Spirit.
Evangelist Luke asks us to be ready for the God of surprises. So “there is no need to be afraid” we are told. “Be ready, dressed for action and have your lamps lit”. Jesus reminds the disciples “where you treasure is, there your heart will be too”. So, as we reflect on the state of our world today, we are called to be people who can reach beyond anxiety or fear. In spite of the many challenges that we face today, we can still bring hope and encouragement to the people whose lives touch our lives. The glory of God that those first disciples saw on the mountain, is the same light and hope that is offered to us each day. The Spirit of God that gave energy and passion to Jesus’ life, is still ready to teach us how to live the present moment without fear and to live with gentleness and with hope. Let’s pray for each other that we make sure that our lamps are lit.
Fr. Kevin Dance CP is the vicar of the St.Brigid’s Retreat, Marrickville. He is very actively involved in ministries locally and at Passionist International where he served as the Executive Director for many years.