GLIMPSES OF GLORY (LK 9:28-36)
“No music soothes the ear, no words so sweet to hear, no memories half so dear, as Jesus, Son of God.”
~ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX
READ: Luke 9:28-36
Now about eight days after this had been said, he took with him Peter and John and James and went up the mountain to pray. As he prayed, the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became brilliant as lightning. Suddenly there were two men there talking to him; they were Moses and Elijah appearing in glory, and they were speaking of his passing which he was to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were heavy with sleep, but they kept awake and saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As these were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He did not know what he was saying. As he spoke, a cloud came and covered them with shadow; and when they went into the cloud the disciples were afraid. And a voice came from the cloud saying, “This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him.” And after the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. The disciples kept silence and, at that time, told no one what they had seen.
REFLECT
As always, in this scene, Christ shows how personal His love is. Jesus knew what was going to happen on top of the mountain. And He brought three of His apostles with Him to witness it—only three. He knew that in the future they would need to draw on this experience to bolster their faith. Of course, they didn’t really understand; they just followed along, dozed off in their prayer, made a senseless remark, and then kept quiet about the whole thing. But Jesus is preparing them for the mission they will have to carry out later. His love for each of us is just as personal and just as wise. He knows what we need when we need it. He gives us moments of consolation in prayer to propel us through dark periods of dryness. All He asks is that we follow along, trusting Him, even when we don’t understand or when we feel clumsy and ignorant. Peter, James, and John didn’t become saints overnight, and neither will we. But if we stay close to the Lord, we will eventually—he will make sure of it.
RESPOND
Lord, I want to pray better. It can’t be that hard, because prayer is a gift You give to everyone, young and old, smart and not-so-smart, holy and sinful. So teach me to pray, Lord. Teach me to tune in to Your voice. Not only during specific prayer commitments but all throughout the day. Are You not always with me, a faithful friend at my side? Well then, let’s talk…
REST
Even now You are preparing me for future tasks. I want to live each current moment to the full, pouring my love into Your will, dedicating myself to whatever You ask of me with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. If I do, I know You will take my efforts and make them fruitful, both for me and for the Church. I may see the results only later— that’s okay. All for Your glory…
RESOLVE
How can I carry this encounter with me into the day? (Write/Journal)
CLOSING PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Most Blessed and Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank You for Your love and Your grace in allowing me this time of prayer with You this morning.
The world, the flesh, and the devil will all propose things I should focus on and run after today. I beg You to fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me instead to know and embrace Your will. Help me see what You desire of me each moment of this day. Give me the wisdom, strength, and fortitude I need to avoid distractions, discern Your will, and focus on and carry out that which Wisdom reveals. Help me to work and live at a pace of peace and prayerfulness, always attentive to You, able to hear Your voice, and to say “no” to anything that hinders my path to You and a complete “yes” to every Holy prompting from You.
Help me to humbly and purposefully live, light, and lead others to the path of union with You, and to tell everyone about this way of life. Amen.
___________________________________________________________________________________