Back to the Ground

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031217.cfm) reminds me that God does not just want me to be with him, but to get my hands dirty and go back to the ground doing his work in loving service of Him. 

Going to vacations is always something special. You look forward to what will happen, to the place, to the people, to the food, and most importantly, to be away from the normal routine of work/business and get some rest and recreation. However, no matter how much you love it, vacation will always end. You would always need to go back to reality, back to work, and do what you should do. This is probably similar to what the disciples felt. 

The gospel tells us the story of transfiguration. Jesus was transfigured, his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. Wild. To add to that, Moses and Elijah appeared to them. They were talking with Jesus! Big names! Moses represented the Law, Elijah representing the prophets. Then they heard the voice of God! How amazing Peter, James and John must have felt. They must have wanted to stay there. However, Jesus did not allow them to. 

Jesus asked his disciples to come down the mountain. Come down the mountain and back to their regular lives. Back to doing God’s work – healing the sick, driving out demons, and proclaiming God’s kingdom and message. This is also what God wants from us. Yes, it ia good to know God snd to experience him. We should have a personal relationship with Him.  But it should not stop there. God wants us to act. God wants us to get our hands dirty as we serve him. It may be challenging, but the second reading reminds us to ask for God's strength as we serve him and do his work. 

May we be willing to get our hands dirty and serve God as he continues to nourish us and reveal himself to us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another Sunday! Thank you for reminding me how much you take care of me. Thank you for making your love more alive in my life. Lord, sorry for the times I am not willing to love and serve you. Sorry for being contented with just experiencing you. Sorry for being too lazy to get my hands dirty in service of you. Give me the strength and the will, Lord. As I continue to experience your love and blessings, I promise to continue working for and serving you. Use me for your purpose and your glory. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-

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March 12, 2017
Second Sunday of Lent
Lectionary: 25

Reading 1 Gn 12:1-4a

The LORD said to Abram:
"Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk
and from your father's house to a land that I will show you.

"I will make of you a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
so that you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you
and curse those who curse you.
All the communities of the earth
shall find blessing in you."

Abram went as the LORD directed him.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22.

R. (22) Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
Our soul waits for the LORD,
who is our help and our shield.
May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us
who have put our hope in you.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

Reading 2 2 Tm 1:8b-10

Beloved:
Bear your share of hardship for the gospel
with the strength that comes from God.

He saved us and called us to a holy life,
not according to our works
but according to his own design
and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began,
but now made manifest
through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus,
who destroyed death and brought life and immortality
to light through the gospel.

Verse Before the Gospel Cf. Mt 17:5

From the shining cloud the Father's voice is heard:
This is my beloved Son, hear him.

Gospel Mt 17:1-9

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
"Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him."
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
"Rise, and do not be afraid."
And when the disciples raised their eyes,
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,
"Do not tell the vision to anyone
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."