Gospel Reflections for February 21 2016
He led them out…
Jesus invites three special Apostles, Peter, James, and John, and leads them up a high mountain where He is suddenly “transfigured” before their eyes. No one today really knows what “transfigured” means, but we know from those startled Apostles felt profoundly moved and immensely satisfied. They did not want to leave!
The Latin word used to describe what Jesus did at the start of that journey is “educere” which means “to lead out” and it is the source of our English word “education.” An educated person is literally one who has been “led out” of ignorance and unknowing to higher knowledge and deeper understanding.
This is the perfect Gospel for the University Series that is now in its second week.
We all have a deep desire to know things especially when we face so many challenges in families, in our faith, our economy, and especially now in an election year. The University offers courses in all these areas. I am glad to report that attendance has been amazing. This looks like it might be the biggest University Series ever!
Each session is designed to lead us out of unknowing and into deeper knowledge and clearer understanding of the issues we care about for ourselves and our loved ones. Each session connects faith with real life. Once we understand things better, we can make much better informed decisions about how to live and take care of our families and especially our own relationship with God.
Coming soon are talks on a whole range of issues; family life, scripture, spirituality, archaeology, science, and morality.
For example, this Tuesday at Padre Serra parish in Camarillo you can hear noted scripture scholar Fr. Pat Mullen on the surprising and newly discovered insights from the Gospel of Mark. On the same night at St. Mel’s in Woodland Hills, I will present the latest Biblical archaeological discoveries that verify, or not, various biblical events. On Wednesday, I will co-present with Bill Moran a series of reflections on marriage, the single life, and overcoming divorce. On Thursday, I will join Physicist and Rabbi, Michael Lotker for a very entertaining and informative discussion of Jewish and Catholic beliefs at St. Jude’s in Westlake Village.
Most especially, on Monday, February 29th at Padre Serra, and again the next night at St. Mel’s you can hear highly acclaimed Senior CNN Vatican correspondent, John Allen, speak on Pope Francis.
Let yourself be “Led Out” by Our Lord into a new and clearer understanding of yourself, your faith, and the world today. Check out all the info at THEUNIVERSITYSERIES.ORG.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Image use with permission.
Absolutely true, knowledge is power. We need to receive this power in the knowledge of our faith in order to evangelize which is the Mission of the church . Thank you for your vision in forming the University!
I am so happy that so many come to the University sessions. It shows there is a real hunger for faith education.
Great reflection! My secular college experience edified me as I witnessed subtle transformations take place that changed the way I thought and viewed the world. However, the University Series has taught me that as I continue on throughout adulthood, my learning continues to evolve. The series relates matters of science, philosophy and current events to Christ and the world He lived in. Rick and I had the honor of attending Bishop Barron’s lecture last Monday evening on “Is the Catholic Church Anti-Science.” We were impressed by his energy, charisma and intelligence. I am glad Bishop Barron is now a part of the Board on the University Series. Perhaps a suggestion for a future class would be the subject of canonization of biblical texts – how the gospels were incorporated into the canon of the Bible as opposed to the apocryphal texts. Thanks!
Great idea! We actually had that topic a number of years ago, but it is so important that we will have it again next year for sure. thanks for the suggestion!
This is my ninth year attending the University. There is always something new to discover and it is wonderful connecting with others in faith. Thanks to Father Dave for his vision in creating this insightful program.
This reading reminded me of when I came back to the Catholic Church and my good friend from the other church came to make sure I wasn’t demonically oppressed for making such a move3. Anyway I told her what the Lord hqad saqid to me to go back and she started saying what about Mary and I said Mary who. She said the mother of God Mary and I said that the Lord said to mind my own business on what I disagreed on. (Believe me that was hard).. She said, You don’t pray to the dead and that was easy, I told her what Betty Swan had said the day before that Mary was her prayer partner and I left it with that. I reminded her that Mary wasn’t dead but alive in Christ and then she said you don’t talk to anyone who has gone before to heaven and out of my mouth came that Jesus must have been a sinner then (believe me I was not in control of this as I didn’t even know what I was going to say next). She said, “What do you mean? I’m thinking, “Ok God, What do I mean?” Out of my mouth came that Jesus talked with Moses and Elijah on the mount. She said but they were taken up. Then I told her that Elijah was taken up and Moses buried her by God and what difference does it make how they went up they are both with God So I still don’t say the Rosary, however, I respect those that do. I have other ways of praying that I find fulfilling.
I was at the University when our Bishop talked and was really encouraged by his talk.I would have loved to meet with him and asked some questions. I believe that God has some great plans for Ventura County with him as our Bishop. I wanted to go on Friday evening and planed on it but my ride flaked and I couldn’t go. My question for you is, are you taping these talks. I would love to hear his talk. It is of great interest to me. This is the talk at St. Peter Claiver.
God. She saqid tht she was going to have to look it up and my answer waqs … “SO DO I!!!
Yes, Bishop Barron’s talk was videotaped. At some point we will have it on the University Website at theuniversityseries.org
Good .. Some of my Protestant friends want to see it. I wanted to go to the one in Ventura but no transportation. The one on the mass seems so good as I studied it when I came back to the church and recognised how it was the old and the new testament coming together. I wanted to see how it is presented. I hope you tape that one also.
I hope you will be able to find transportation to the talks you are interested in.
The education and insight provided through The University Series this year is truly excellent! It was such a gift to many who traveled from all over to hear Bishop Robert Barron. For those attending future classes, I would suggest arriving very early to obtain parking, a seat, etc. Well worth the extra effort. Exceptional!
Great suggestion to come early to the bigger sessions. It is also a chance to meet and discuss issues with others there.
So happy to hear that the University talks are going so well, Fr. Dave.
We need to learn and be inspired!
See you in the University!
I think the University Series is very edcational and spiritually uplifting during Lent. I am looking forward to hearing John Allen and the talk on Love and Marriage.
Thank you for enlightening us!!
I am glad you are planning on attending John Allen’s talk. There is no one who knows more about the Church today in America and who can explain it so well.
Father Dave,
You have given us a beautiful gift in the University Series!!! Every year we look so forward to the spiritual, moral, scientific,scriptural, archaeological,family, and other relevant topics that touch our lives and instill in us a yearning to be the best we can be and then hopefully touch others with our Jesus and our Mary’s incredible love!!! To love, to grow, to become the person God created us to be is radiated to us by the University speakers and their insights!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it!!!Thank you for this precious series!!!
Loveeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!