Gospel Reflections for March 8 2020
A happy ending story
I wonder how the coronavirus story will turn out. I hope it ends soon so people around the world can finally relax. That would be a happy ending.
I wonder how the elections will turn out. The long political season has many months to go, but I hope it ends with peaceful acceptance of the final vote. That would be a happy ending.
I just never like waiting to find out! Suspense is not for me. Whenever I would pick up a mystery novel, I would quickly read the last few pages to see the ending. This Gospel was written for people like me.
Today, Jesus lets you see the end of your own story.
He takes three disciples to a mountaintop and is “transfigured” before their eyes. No one today knows exactly what that looked like, but the disciples felt very happy to see it!
Shortly after His crucifixion Jesus rose from the dead. This was more than just physical resuscitation, but rather a transformation into a “glorified body” that could both appear and disappear and yet still join His disciples for meals. On that mountaintop, Jesus showed them what a “glorified body” looks like.
His teaching is clear. When you live your life in the same manner as Jesus you will have the same glorified life in heaven. You can look forward to a happy ending!
The first part of the story that is your life is not finished yet. You write a new page each day, and it is the story about what you say and do. There are still pages to finish. The good news is that you can start over each day with lessons learned from the day before.
After His Transfiguration, Jesus led His disciples down the mountain and back into the world of other people, responsibilities, commitments, and other daily challenges. How you face these events determines if your story ends in your own glorious transfiguration. That will be wonderful to see!
Lent is precisely that time to reflect on how your story is going, and if you are “writing” well or not. Now is the time to seek the help you need from Our Lord.
The University Series (theuniversityseries.org) is also just the right resource for wisdom, insights, and helpful advice to help you with the story of your life …and ensure a happy ending.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Fr Heney,
I love that thought, that each day is a new beginning, that we can learn from the day before how to be a better Christian today.
Thank you for the simplification & the reminder.
Sherrie Foster
You are welcome!
Fr. Dave-
Thank you for this. I agree, Lent can be the time for our own transfiguration; an opportunity to take the time to reflect, adjust and change into the better version of ourselves. What a gift.
Gary Fidone
Yes, Lent can be a yearly gift as you say. We often need a yearly correction!
Thanks for these explanations and thought provoking messages. We have a great Treasure in our Catholic Faith that exceeds anything else I can think of,
Congratulations on sustaining our understanding of all that we possess.
You are welcome!