The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
When I don’t know what to pray
Lord, listen to my heart
When there are so many concerns upon my heart
Lord, speak to my heart
When I don’t know what to do
When all I can do is lift the pain of so many to you
Take these burdens, Lord
Take the individuals and lives within
And hold them close to your heart
In your mercy, hear this humble prayer
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
It has been a day of Sabbath rest
After a long Saturday of driving in bad weather
Thank you for the snow, Lord
Not only for rest due to church closure
But also for the much needed moisture
As we prepare for sleep
As my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. (Luke 9:28)
This mountaintop experience transformed the disciples understanding of who Jesus was. Last April we finally hiked up Deer Mountain. As we got to the top, the view was breathtaking. Like so many vistas in our back yard (Rocky Mountain National Park), we often find ourselves simply in awe of the wonder and majesty of God’s creation. It is amazing to think that in the midst of such wonder and beauty that the Creator takes note of us as well as the creatures who live in the Park.
The tiny Pika who lives at higher elevations in the Rockies.
Rocky Mountain Mule Deer.
Mountain Chickadee.
Grey Squirrel.
Rocky Mountain Bull Elk.
Today is Transfiguration Sunday. We didn’t have church today due to the transformation of Estes Park into a Winter Wonderland with well over a foot of snow falling on top of ice.
Our back deck and trees next to the Condo.
When Jesus took Peter, James, and John up the mountain with him to pray, I doubt that the three disciples had any idea what was about to happen. In fact, I wonder if Jesus himself knew what was about to transpire when they ascended the mountain that day. It sounds as though Peter, James, and John were in desperate need of a nap, but they were awake when Jesus was transfigured before their very eyes!
In Luke’s story, this happens soon after Jesus foretells his death and resurrection and asks the disciples to take up their cross and follow him. I can only imagine what was going through the minds and hearts of Jesus and the disciples as they chewed on that challenge.
The placement of the Transfiguration story on the last Sunday before Lent is intentional, even if it isn’t accurate in terms of a linear timeline. What is important is why it happened and how it may have impacted Jesus and the Disciples.
This event, I believe, was a gift from God to Jesus. The only other time we hear God speak to Jesus was at his baptism when God claimed Jesus as God’s own beloved child. On the mountain, as Jesus prays and contemplates what lies ahead on the road to Jerusalem and the Cross, God once more publicly claims Jesus with these words: This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him! (Luke 9:35)
In the Beatles song, Let it Be I hear words of comfort for me: When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me. Speaking words of wisdom. Let it be.
God’s words of comfort come to us in many ways. I see this event as a gift of comfort and a reminder to Jesus. Just as Moses led the people out of slavery, into the wilderness, and eventually to the Promised Land; Jesus is leading God’s children into a new covenant. Unlike Elijah, who was swept into heaven on a chariot, thus avoiding death; Jesus would face a gruesome end in by being tortured and hung on the cross to suffer and die. Yet both of these heroes of the faith were there to reinforce both the importance of Jesus’s ministry and that he wasn’t alone.
It was also, a time to give the Disciples a wake-up call of sorts! God challenges them to listen to Jesus! The ministry they are a part of is serious work! And Jesus’s words about taking up a cross weren’t an allegory. Jesus meant them literally!
So how does this speak to us today? While I haven’t had the dazzling moment of transformation that Jesus did, I have experienced sacred moments where God has both challenged, comforted, and transformed me in my life and ministry. As we will soon begin the Lenten journey on Ash Wednesday, this reading challenges me to listen for the Spirit’s whisper in my own life and ministry. It also reinforces the fact that Ministry is not a job or a career, but rather is a calling and a vocation.
Will you join with me, dear reader, as this journey begins? Will you seek to encounter Lent as a season of transformation and prayer as we walk with Jesus towards the cross? Are we willing to follow where the Spirit leads us?
Such a beautiful reminder ❤️❤️
There are times when my illness hurts my heart just as sharply as it affects my body. I experience an emotional pang on the inside. It rises when I am brought face to face with my limitations. And it feels as if I’m looking out on the world from behind a thick hedge. It doesn’t happen often but it stings, nevertheless.
Yesterday we had the pleasure of our young grandson visiting us for a few hours. I had worried in advance because I thought he might get bored in our rather sedentary company, and we might struggle to entertain him.
The rest of the week had been very physically active for him as he went out and about with his granny, aunt and cousins. But I needn’t have feared. God ensured that time with us would be a welcome quiet breather in his otherwise hectic schedule. It flew by and we…
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Thanks, Ronnie!
The Revised Common Lectionary is a book used to guide Protestant churches in worship. Certainly, not all Protestants follow it. After all, we who are Protestant are no less than that: Those who protest. My earliest spiritual mentors would have never used the Lectionary. It was only for the elitist “high church;” too restrictive, sure to “quench the Spirit;” and yes, it was far too Catholic.
These objections aside, I have learned that the Lectionary provides congregations – entire denominations – a structured, thematic reading of the Bible week after week. This allows parishioners to hear the full chorus of Scripture, not just a few favorite voices.
The Lectionary theme for this weekend is “The Transfiguration.” It was a stunning moment in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. As the gospel writers recall, Jesus and three of his disciples climbed to the top of a high mountain. There…
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Another powerful reflection, Jake!
A powerful reflection, Jake!
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
After a wonderful visit to the Badlands National Park in winter
After a relaxing and refreshing two days away
After connecting with a friend from long ago
After simply Being Still
A long drive through a winter storm warning
Finally, we are at home and relaxing before the fire
For your guidance and presence, Lord, we thank you
In your mercy, hear this humble prayer
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
It has been a wonderful day in your Creation, Lord
Even in the bitter cold, your love warms
As we spent time together reflecting
As we spent time together planning
Your Spirit’s presence was palpable
For the gift of your Presence, Lord, we give you thanks
For the gift of your Love, Lord, we give you thanks
In your mercy, Lord, hear this humble prayer
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
“There is always more story beneath the story, a seeing beneath the seeing; there is subterranean territory that invites our exploration. We can cultivate practices that empower us to listen and see with the ears and eyes of our mystic hearts. Contemplative photography provides a special lens for this enhanced seeing and receiving.”
— Melissa Layer Watershed Moments in the Hebrew & Christian Scriptures: An Online, Self-Study Retreat
