Present in His Presence

2/18/2017

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text.

Mark 9:2-13

Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

Here we have one of the most mysterious and yet one of the most beautiful passages in the Holy Gospels, that of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain alone. There He was transfigured, appearing before them shining bright like the sun. The Lord, in His Wisdom, chose to reveal Himself to those three closest to Him apart from the crowds, for surely such a sight like this would startle most of the followers and might even cause panic. Just as God chose to reveal Himself to Moses upon a mountain, so too did He choose to reveal His glory to Peter, James, and John high upon a mountain.

With Elijah, the great prophet, and Moses, the giver of the Law, Jesus connects Himself to the Old Covenant in such a profound way that any first century Jew hearing the Apostles tell this story would connect the dots immediately. Peter, speaking for the others as he always does, recognizes that it is good for them to be there in order to build for Jesus, Elijah, and Moses tents to dwell in. Yet, in this moment of awe and terror, a cloud overshadowed them and a voice beckoned, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him." When they looked up, only Jesus remained before them.

As the Church has done since the beginning and as we do now, we can learn from our first pope in this story. Peter sees the benefit of the three being there at the Transfiguration in order to serve them, but he was also terrified at the sight. So often we view the power of God that way as well. We won't be led by Jesus to the top of a mountain and see Him Transfigured like these three did, but we can see the presence of Christ before us and resolve to do something good.

On the summit, the cloud overshadowed the three, putting an end to their fear with the reassuring words of "This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him." This a simple yet profoundly powerful statement given to us. Just as Mary His Mother reminds us to do whatever Jesus tells us, so too does God the Father. Whenever we are terrified, afraid, distraught, or uncertain, we must ask God the Father to send His Spirit to cover us and to calm us with the assurance of Christ. Christ is the Wisdom of God, made Man. He knows all things in our hearts and in our minds and wants us to place our trust in Him.

Let us pray for the strength and trust to have Faith, Hope, and Love in Christ and for Christ in this life. In this way, we can respond in peace to the grace of God to live virtuous lives; unafraid and assured of the words of Jesus if we just listen to Him. Then, at the end of our lives, when we come before Him and see Him glorified like the three at the Transfiguration, we can say the same words of Peter: "Jesus, it is good that we are here."

Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

How would you have responded to the Transfiguration if you were there? Would you have been afraid? Would you have been joyful? Would you have been at such a loss for words that you just wanted to do something instead of just be present?

What in your heart and life needs to be transformed? How can you let your heart look more like the transfigured Jesus?

How can you be more present in the moments of life that God has blessed you with? How can you stop trying to always do something and just be there?

Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

"Jesus, it is good that I am here."

"Transform my heart."

"Here I am Lord."

Step #5: Actio / Act

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

Work on being present. Be present with your family and friends, but most especially be present with the Lord! Today, let your prayer not be about what you can do for God, or even what God can do for you, and just be with God.

Smartphone Lock Screen

The following image is here for you to save and use as a background or lock screen on your smartphone or device to help you carry today's Lectio Divina with you the rest of the day.

Today's prayer was prepared by Kevin Poynton, graduate of the University of Dayton with a Degree in Religious Studies.

CARPE VERBUM