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3/4/2023 Up on the mountain top ...Dear parish family, Our Gospel this Sunday, is about the Transfiguration of the Lord. We hear about a moment on the mountain top, where Jesus shares a glimpse of his Glory, with his close friends Peter, James and John. Peter may not have fully understood at that moment the greatness that he and the others were fortunate enough to experience. Perhaps all he could understand is how perfect that moment with Moses (the law) and Elijah (the prophet) was on the mountain top. So perfect, that it makes Peter ask Jesus if he should set tents for them. The revelation of Jesus the Son of God in his Glory, hearing God’s voice, perhaps too much to handle all at once, that it left all three in fear. Till they feel Jesus’ touch and peace as he tells them “Rise, and do not be afraid.” With so much going on in our world today, the business of work, raising a family, caring for a loved one, and the huge list of things that need to be done at home, we may be desperately seeking that mountain top moment, where everything is so perfect. But friends, I think these moments of perfection, when all is well, are meant to inspire us, to fill our spirits, rest our bodies and minds, but it also is meant just for a moment; we can not built our tents there yet. The past two weeks I was blessed with several opportunities “at the mountain top.” First was the Confirmation retreat, with our parish teens who will be making their sacrament this May. Wow, what a wonderful weekend, to see the young people so open to the opportunity to encounter Jesus, to continue to build their relationship with our God. We had the gift of being joined on retreat by Fr. Tim Grumbach and he invited us all to join him for Mass outdoors at 7:00 am. This was an open invitation without obligation. The teens could have slept in longer if they wished; however, we had a good crowd that very cold, beautiful morning. Then again with so much reverence and love at adoration, The Holy Spirit was present with us, transforming and healing hearts and souls. The amazing team of young adults and peer leaders who worked so hard to prepare themselves and lead the retreat, without a complaint. They would stay up late preparing for the next day, and wake up early to pray together before starting the next day. Wow! This is one of the highlights of my year, just like Peter, James and John, allowed to be witness of God in action. This sets my soul on fire, and propels me to continue in ministry, to know how blessed we are to be Jesus’ hands, feet and at times voice for others. My second mountain top moment was at the yearly Religious Education Congress. “Embrace Grace, Abraza la Gracia.” Another opportunity to be inspired, to learn and to pray deeply. Then again yesterday at the First Reconciliation of 90 children. To witness the powerful healing of the sacrament of reconciliation. Seeing though the children were nervous at first, the beaming smiles as they walk away. Many family members who too return to this healing and renewing sacrament, filling them with God’s peace. Two of these events are only 3 days, then we return back to our reality. They are long enough to make an impact. In the days or weeks that follow I know we will continue to unpack what we have experienced. We can return to our daily tasks with new energy and perhaps even a new vision, and better understanding of our mission.
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