Step 1: Reflect and Speak with God
Dear Giver of Life, You have always been with me whether I knew it or not. Not only have you given me Life but also peace and happiness, people who love me, people whom I could serve, and people who raised me up.
Sometimes your presence has been overwhelming, sure, complete, and magnificent. Other times, I did not know you were there. But I thank You that you have always been there. Peter, James and John did not want to leave mount Tabor when you were transfigured, but they had to leave. They went on to spread your Good News lovingly and effectively. I have been a beneficiary of that Good News.
I thank you for my family, my colleagues in business, my fellow parishioners and above all for the gift of faith for which I can take no credit.
When I see “Hallowed be Thy Name,” Your Name is Love. Your Name is Blessed. I think what love You have for us and Your Inspiration allows us to return Your love, with thanks. We can love others whether they love us or not. We are a community with those who love us and those who don’t just as You let Your sun shine on the people who do good and those who do not. You are Blessed, Holy, Illustrious, Magnificent, Nourisher, All Seeing, All Hearing, Forbearing and Indulgent. Thank You. Thank you.
Step 2: Reflect on the Scriptures
| Hebrew Scriptures | New Testament |
| 1 Kings 19:2-13
Elijah was afraid and fled for his life, going to Beer-Sheba of Judah. He left his servant there 4 and went a day’s journey into the wilderness, until he came to a solitary broom tree and sat beneath it. He prayed for death: “Enough, LORD! Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” 5He lay down and fell asleep under the solitary broom tree, but suddenly a messenger* touched him and said, “Get up and eat!” 6He looked and there at his head was a hearth cake and a jug of water. After he ate and drank, he lay down again, 7but the angel of the LORD came back a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat or the journey will be too much for you!” 8 He got up, ate, and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb. 9There he came to a cave, where he took shelter. But the word of the LORD came to him: Why are you here, Elijah? 10He answered: “I have been most zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts, but the Israelites have forsaken your covenant. They have destroyed your altars and murdered your prophets by the sword. I alone remain, and they seek to take my life.” 11c Then the LORD said: Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD;* the LORD will pass by. There was a strong and violent wind rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD—but the LORD was not in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake—but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12after the earthquake, fire—but the LORD was not in the fire; after the fire, a light silent sound.* 13When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
|
Matthew 17:1-8
1After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. 4Then 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.” 5 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.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” 8And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
Matthew 28:16-20
The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. 18 Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
|
Step 3: What did you glean from the Scriptures. Tell God.