8/12/2023 Of Practice and ClarityReflecting on our first reading, I began to wonder ... what was it that enabled Elijah to hear the Lord’s voice beyond earthquake and fire into the whispering wind? The answer may lie firmly in his commitment to serve God continually even in the midst of conflict or challenges. No matter what was going on in his life, Elijah spent time with the Lord listening intently. He had learned the art and discipline to hear His call. I suspect that practice also played a role; an example can help us to reach a similar connection in our own lives. For over 10 years, Diana and I sat in front of the television on Wednesday nights and enjoyed Dancing With the Stars. We watched as celebrities with little if any dance training, practiced and improved their steps competing for the coveted mirrored ball trophy. They adapted their styles, fought through difficult dances, sometimes complained, and doubted their abilities. They ultimately delivered something absolutely beautiful. Both of us appreciated the tremendous efforts and continued growth that existed in less than perfect scores. While practice did not create the innate beauty of the dances nor the desire to participate in the first place, it did make it easier to achieve over time. The same can be said of our spiritual journey not unlike Elijah’s. We have within us the presence of the Holy Spirit eager to share her love, support, and guidance. Ours is to prepare ourselves to recognize the invitation and act upon it in trust no matter the circumstances faced. Our own lives are filled with occasions to place God at the forefront of our decisions. These exist at every turn but are at times difficult to discern. By adding simple but powerful practices, we are afforded opportunities to hear His call and voice more clearly. Similar to enthusiastic dancers, putting the Lord’s will first does not mean we have to follow a prescribed formula. We can, however, benefit by displaying continuity in our practices both collectively as well as individually. This can be done communally by breaking bread with a friend, attending daily and weekly Mass, sharing a bible study session, or praying together. We can follow Jesus’ example by stepping away alone for time to pray and encounter our intimate moments with God. Silent retreats, personal reflections, morning, and night prayers are wonderful ways to achieve this. ![]() How we chose to participate may be as varied as opportunities presented us. Nonetheless, just know that whatever we select will indeed allow us to gain greater clarity even in the softest of voices. Endless Blessings, Deacon Luc and Diana Papillon Dear Friends, We celebrate the Lord’s Transfiguration every year on the second Sunday of Lent, but in some years, the feast falls on a Sunday in Ordinary Time and replaces the liturgy of that Sunday. This is that year, and we have a chance to reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ Transfiguration. One difference between the annual Lenten encounter with this event and the one we’re celebrating this weekend is the congruence between all three of our Scripture readings. The first reading from the book of Daniel (named not for its unknown author but for its hero), date about 200 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, has, when heard in context with the gospel, two compelling passages which seem clearly to point towards Jesus’ transfiguration 200+ years later:
It always strikes me as remarkable when an ancient prophecy is so clearly fulfilled in Jesus! As you’ll recall, in the Gospel, Jesus takes his closest disciples (friends) Peter, James and John, up the mountain with him and they witness his Transfiguration and hear the voice of the Father identifying Who Jesus is (my beloved Son) and what the disciples are to do (listen to him). The first thing Jesus tells the disciples is “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And, while the second reading is often only loosely related to the first and to the Gospel, on this feast, it is very closely related. Most notably, it’s written by one who was there at the Transfiguration – Peter, himself: We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable. You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. ![]() What is the prophetic message to which Peter refers? It is the Paschal Mystery that we celebrate every Sunday in the Mass: the saving Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Word Made Flesh, the Morning Star, Emmanuel, God-With-Us. Siempre Adelante, Dominic MacAller Worship Minister 8/1/2023 Steven Walker1989 - 2023Funeral Liturgy
Friday, September 8 11:00 am Padre Serra Parish Mortuary Rose Mortuary, Simi Valley 8/1/2023 Therese (Tish) Hearne
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