As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. … Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” (Gospel for March 13, Lk 9:33, 35)
Having witnessed the Transfiguration, the three apostles did not want to leave the mountaintop. But as the vision ends, God’s voice directs them back to Jesus, who takes them back down the mountain. We might wish in our own lives for extraordinary experiences or “spiritual highs,” but even if we are granted such experiences, we are not meant to cling to them. Brothers, may we be grateful for these enriching moments, if and when they come, but remember that we fulfill our God-given mission primarily within the daily duties of our ordinary lives.
Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:
This month, I challenge you to withdraw from your normal routine each day to spend some time alone with God’s word by reading and reflecting on the Gospels. Second, I challenge you to assist your council in planning for the Faith in Action Spiritual Reflection program.
Questions for Reflection:
Do you tend to seek one emotional religious experience after another, yet feel less motivated to live your faith in between these experiences? Do you recognize the Christian witness you must fulfill in your daily duties as a man, a husband, a father, and in your ordinary work and social interactions? Do you set aside time to participate in a spiritual retreat every now and then to reinvigorate your spiritual life?