Gospel Reflections for March 17 2019
He led them out…
Jesus invites three special Apostles, Peter, James, and John, and leads them out to a high mountain where He is suddenly “transfigured” before their eyes. No one today really knows what “transfigured” means, but we know those startled Apostles certainly felt profoundly moved and immensely satisfied. They did not want to leave!
Sudden flashes of insight can be wonderful. We wish they would last longer too. I have met many engaged couples who told me that they once felt spectacular, amazing, and even transforming feelings of “love at first sight.” Yet none of them married that same day!
They knew much more knowledge about each other was needed. They spent many months and even years coming to know the other person well. They educated themselves on their partner. Sudden insight should lead to a desire for education. Jesus invited His three disciples to do just that by leading them back down the mountain.
The Latin word used to describe what Jesus did is “educere” which means “to lead out.” It is the root source of our English word “education.” An educated person is literally one who has been “led out” of not knowing to much higher knowledge and deeper understanding. We admire anyone who sincerely seeks the challenging work of education (and resent those in the news who cheated at entrance exams).
This is the perfect Gospel for The University Series that is now in its second week.
I hope you have a desire for knowledge especially with so many challenges today in families, or faith, or North Korea, or the Middle East. The University Series offers courses in these areas and will soon offer many more. I am glad to report that attendance has been great.
Each session is designed to lead you out of unknowing and into deeper knowledge and clearer understanding. Each session connects faith with real life. Once you understand things better, you can make wise decisions about how to live and take care of your family, and especially how to deepen your relationship with God.
Coming soon are talks on a whole range of issues; faith and current events, family life, scripture, spirituality, archaeology, science, and morality.
Let yourself be “Led Out” by Our Lord into a new and clearer understanding of yourself, your faith, and the world today. See all the course descriptions, faculty bios, and calendar at theuniversityseries.org.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Many blessings today and continue through lent I always appreciate your weekly reflections.. thank you Fr Dave 🙏🏼
I am very glad that you find my articles helpful!
Dick and I have loved the University series!!! To learn, to grow, to become the person our God created us to be is the beauty of the University series for it radiates love of Faith and love of life !!! and connects both beautifully!!!The University Series is a precious gift of Love given to us!!!We will enjoy it and Thank you Father Dave for this beautiful gift!!! Looking sooooooooooooooooooooooo forward to seeing you there!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
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Thank you!
Thank you Fr. Dave, for creating the University Series for us, and finding the best
instructors “for our learning”
Great sessions so far, and even better ones to come!
Yes, great new classes on the way!
Dear Father Dave,
Only in our best imagination can we attempt to visualize Christ’s transfiguration. His countenance had to have been the perfect beauty of heaven. It’s so comforting to try and picture it. I wonder if there might not have music in the light as well.
God bless you.
Sincerely,
Kathleen A.
Thank you!