I shared the
story about the Transfiguration when we encounter Jesus, who reveals a glimpse
of his divinity to Peter, James and John to prepare them for the cross, which
would precede his resurrection.
I believe if we are paying attention, there are many times in our life when we come to glimpse a scene of perfect beauty. Whether a sunset, a beautiful round barn, a work of art, a beautiful piece of music, a sermon made by your shepherd, or the goodness and sincerity of people, that glimpse sustains us over a long time.
In our community, Tim has been working hard for over a year and a half to get folks in the county to support the Charlotte Comfort Home. However, it can be difficult to get folks from many different regions to work together for a common cause. A tad discouraged that his committee had yet to generate time and energy and funding, he felt discouraged and ready to call it quits.
I believe if we are paying attention, there are many times in our life when we come to glimpse a scene of perfect beauty. Whether a sunset, a beautiful round barn, a work of art, a beautiful piece of music, a sermon made by your shepherd, or the goodness and sincerity of people, that glimpse sustains us over a long time.
In our community, Tim has been working hard for over a year and a half to get folks in the county to support the Charlotte Comfort Home. However, it can be difficult to get folks from many different regions to work together for a common cause. A tad discouraged that his committee had yet to generate time and energy and funding, he felt discouraged and ready to call it quits.
This is where he
was given a glimpse of the Risen Christ who appeared not in a dazzling display
of light like fireworks. Rather, it came from a person who listened and
reassured this humble leader that he would join his committee and work on raising
the funds to restore the parish building that would offer comfort to the dying
and care for family members.
You see, this Transfiguration
moment is about letting our light shine before others. That is exactly what Tim
found in the voice of his friend. We let the light shine when we live our lives
as “other Christs.”
To be “other
Christs,” we need to reflect Christ to others by loving God, neighbor, and self
– to follow the heart of our faith, the triple-love message of Jesus Christ. We do this when we
forgive our enemies, give drink to the thirsty, feed the hungry, console the
sorrowful, instruct those searching for a purpose, care for the dying, visit
those in our hospitals, nursing homes and prisons.
It’s four o'clock
on a Sunday afternoon and I just returned from church. No, I did not preach a four-hour
homily. Rather, I visited the sick in two hospitals in Buffalo, extended our
blessings to Bishop Peplowski at Brothers of Mercy and visited a dear friend
who has multiple sclerosis and wanted to let me know that it’s time to have a
little fun and set a date for dinner.
Lord, I pray for
all my Sonshine Friends who radiate your light to those in need. Give us the
grace to do better and let our shine before all in need of our helping hands.
