Genesis 15: 5 - 12, 17 - 18
Luke 9: 28 - 36

 

Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to stand with someone outside of Saint Joseph House where we were incredibly graced to witness an awesome night sky. Free of the light pollution so prominent in large cities, stars were visible for miles over the ocean from east to west, and many constellations were vivid and bright. This beautiful sky took my breath away and connected me with all of Creation in profound ways.

In today's first reading, God tells Abram to look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can.  God further tells Abram, Just as the stars of the heavens, so shall your descendants be .

Thousands of years later, as we read in today's gospel, Jesus, Peter, John and James, descendants of Abraham, traveled to the top of a mountain to pray. Joined by Moses and Elijah, the law and the prophet, Jesus was transfigured before their eyes. Brighter than even the brightest night sky, Jesus offered hope that the suffering to which he had already alluded would end in glory.

Possibly, our invitation this Lent is to gaze upon the night sky being keenly aware that as descendants of Abraham, daughters and sons of the Creator, we are counted among the bright stars. And as our collective light shines, may we hold the beauty and hope of the Transfigured Jesus with us as we journey together to Jerusalem and beyond. The very journey that makes us one! 

  --Joan Dollinger
SSJ Associate

I have fixed my eyes on your hills, Jerusalem, my Destiny.
Though I cannot see the end for me I cannot turn away.
We have set our hearts for the way; this journey is our destiny.
Let no one walk alone. The journey makes us one.

Jerusalem, My Destiny - Rory Cooney@GIA Publications  1990

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