Transfiguration, Part 2

Note that Jesus and the three Apostles go "up the mountain to pray". Bible scholars believe that this mountain was Mount Tabor. In the Bible, many important events occur on top of mountains: Noah's ark comes to rest, Moses receives the Ten Commandments, Abraham nearly sacrifices Isaac, Jesus delivers "The Sermon on the Mount". (It would be an interesting Lenten study to research the significance of mountains in the Bible.) Also note that "Jesus prayed". As always, He sets the example for us.

Next, Jesus is physically transformed: "His face was changed in appearance, and his clothes became dazzling white." If Jesus' three chosen companions on this trip had any doubt that He was the Son of God, they sure didn't at this point in the narrative! Catholic theologians interpret this transformation as a means for Jesus to strengthen the resolve of the chosen three shortly before their big test of faith during His Passion and Crucifixion.

This Gospel now ties in beautifully with the second reading. St. Paul says, "He will change our lowly body to conform with His glorified body by the power that enables Him also to bring all things into subjection to Himself." During the Transfiguration, Jesus reveals His glorified body and gives us hope that our own bodies will "conform with His" in a similar transformation. That hope certainly strengthens my own resolve!

Perhaps you can pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary this week and meditate on what you are learning. These reflections are meant to inspire others to learn more about the mysteries of the Rosary. One caveat, if you use the internet to research the Rosary or the mysteries, please use caution and discernment. There are many sites out there that do not adhere to Catholic teaching (or the Magisterium) even though they call themselves "Catholic". I like to use the site review feature at Catholic Culture to verify questionable sites.

The beautiful icons I've posted with the blog entries are also meant to help facilitate meditation. More on this fascinating mystery tomorrow.

The Transfiguration

As I was driving to Mass this morning, I quizzed my children (ages 10 and 12) on the mysteries of the Rosary. I am always a bit perplexed at some of the "mysteries" they come up with:
"The Washing of the Feet"
"The Nailing to the Cross"
"The Walking on Water"
Eventually, between the two of them and with a few hints from me, they were able to recall all 20 mysteries.

I recently began a weekly practice of reminding my children to listen carefully to the readings, Gospel and homily so that we can discuss them on the way home.

During the Gospel, my son leaned over and whispered, "It's the Transfiguration!" I was proud that he was not only paying attention but was actually able to come up with the title of the 4th Luminous Mystery.

As we drove home, I asked them to recall a few facts about the Transfiguration.
First of all, Jesus chooses just three Apostles for this journey: James, John and Peter. Why these three? Peter's inclusion is obvious given his pivotal role as our first pope. John will also play a big part as an evangelist and as Jesus' chosen caretaker of His belvoed mother. The presence of James is a bit of a puzzle. He was the brother of John and probably a relative of Jesus. Perhaps you can ask St. James for insight the next time you pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary.

More on the Transfiguration tomorrow...

My Rosary Scrapbook

This blog has been a little buzzing bee in the back of my head because I have great plans for sharing my love for and devotion to the Rosary. However, I've been swatting it away as other priorities demand my attention -- a move to a new state, a growing list of writing assignments, and a book about to be published by Bezalel Books.

Nevertheless, I have been mulling over ideas on how to best proceed with my plans for this blog. An idea hit me just the other day as I was editing my book, The Rosary Workout, for publication. In one section, I suggest building a notebook or scrapbook on the Rosary mysteries as an aid to meditation. It can include Bible verses, artwork depicting the mysteries and thoughts or revelations experienced during meditation. I don't personally keep a Rosary scrapbook, but I have been meaning to start one. I realized that this blog can be my Rosary scrapbook. I can use it to share the knowledge and insight I've gained on the Rosary through years of study and meditation.

I read over my past blog entries, and now I think they are too impersonal. My initial aim was to avoid the ME, ME, ME aspect of blogging. However, the blogs that I enjoy are those written by people who inject their personality into their writing and who share their trials, triumphs and setbacks.

I hope you enjoy my virtual Rosary Scrapbook.