bright-sun

Readings: Genesis 15: 5-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 9:28b -36

In the Transfiguration, the light and divinity of Jesus is revealed to Peter, James and John as they prayed. In prayer today, we can imagine ourselves on that mountain with Jesus, where our restless and searching hearts can find hope and direction.

There our longing hearts are comforted with His holy peace. For on this mountain, God’s will for us is made clear with dazzling brightness: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” (Lk 9:35) We look up to God, the voice in the cloud, and our wandering thoughts focus on His message: God’s son is our way.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is a relatively modern messenger of the Transfiguration. Her advice to “Look up at the blue Heavens and love Him” (CW, 2:660) gently opens our hearts and minds to listen to God. She reminds us that our bond with God is love.

Once we give our attention to God, His will is revealed in our daily lives. Then we must do what unfolds. Again, Elizabeth is a guide. Her grateful heart is a reminder that God’s love is sufficient fuel for the day. His light and truth give us mental strength. By means of the Eucharist, we can physically become one with Jesus. By means of Elizabeth’s intercession in prayer, our listening skills are sharpened. Life makes more sense.

Thanks be to God for his Son Jesus and for our Saint Elizabeth Ann. She reflects the Light of Christ down through the years while she shows us how to look forward to eternity with hope.

—Anne Merwin, SCNY Associate

merwinA former President of the Mother Seton House on Paca Street in Baltimore, Anne looks to St. Elizabeth Ann each day for guidance in her life as wife, mother and grandmother. Her book, Elizabeth Ann Seton, was published by Pauline Books & Media in 2015 as part of the Saints by Our Side series.