Homily

August 6, 2017

Transfiguration

Fr O’Grady

Many years ago I had opportunity to go to the Holy Land and one of the most memorable times was the trip up Mt Tabor where the transfiguration of Jesus took place. Of course for most sites in the Holy Land there is usually always a shrine or church built over the spot where the miraculous occurred. I was supposed to say Mass in thatmountain top church but to our disappointment other tours groups had already claimed the different altars inside and so we were relegated to the outside and on small stone altar we celebrated Mass.

Yet this was a blessing in disguise. For, during the Mass we all looked around and realized that the Transfiguration took place also outside in the same spot we were praying. In mind and spirit we were seemingly transported back 2000 years The entire group was inspired, uplifted and mesmerized by the beauty and holiness of the place. Coming down from that mountain we all shared how that moment affected our lives.

In the craziness of our life and world today do we all not need such a moment of Transfiguration in which we experience the love and touch of God?

So many people today need to experience the presence and reality of God. So many live in world where the spiritual is not seen and God is not felt and faith isreplaced by one addiction after another that never satisfies and is a dead end.

WHAT HAPPENS THEN WHEN GOD IS MISSING AS THE CENTER POINT OF OUR LIFE?

WHAT HAPPENS THENWHEN PRAYER IS BANNED FROM PUBLIC PLACES, GRADUATIONS, AND STADIUMS AND OUR CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES,SYMBOLS AND VALUES ARE SUBJECT TO LTIGATION IN THE COURT?

WHAT HAPPENS THEN WHEN A YOUNGER GENERATON GROWSUP WITHOUT ANY TRADITION OF CHURCH, AND PRAYER?

ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS LOOK AROUND!

This past year I have buried about 5-6 young people for overdosing. Hundreds of thousands are looking for self -worth, value, hope . a meaning to life and yet without God and a firm foundation of faith they will get lost.

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If only they could have climbed that mountain of faith, transfiguration and experienced the love and beauty of God in their lives. If they could just climb that mountain of the Lord like Peter James and John and hear the wonderful message of hope, peace and love.

Well, the good news is that they can and we can as well for if we open our eyes around us, there is a God reaching out and speaking to you and me.

Some years ago there was a TV series entitled: Touched by an Angel TV.

The theme was that angels were sent by God to help people out in crises of life. Of course they did not know it was an angel until very end. These people’s lived were changed by the presence of angel speaking of God’s love.

Some of you might be thinking that’s nice on TV but never happen to me much less being touched or experiencing the Lord Jesus Himself.

But what about the angels in our life?

-The angel that works through your co-worker who puts aside her work to listen to you.

-the angel who is seen through medical professionals who ease your pain

-The angel who acts by means of your neighbor who brings over dinner when spouse is in hospital-

Or the angel who delivers the message of God’s infinite love in your newborn baby who turns your world upside down with joy.

Or the Angel that conveys the beauty of nature, the brilliance of a rainbow and the awesomeness of the sea

These angels can change us and bring God’s message of love and spiritual transfiguration

BUT WE ARE ALSO TOUCHED AND TRANSFIGURED BY JESUS HIMSELF.

-THROUGH THE MASS, THE READINGS, THE FORGIVENESS IN CONFESSION, HOLY COMMUNION, THE SPIRIT IN CONFIRMATION AND POWER OF HIS WORD IN SCRIPTURE.

Sothe Transfiguration did not end on top of Mt Tabor .

No, it continues each and everyday as Jesus inspires our life in so many beautiful ways.

As summer continues may you be touched and uplifted by the Lord and above all may all of you “be touched by an Angel”.