Today we celebrate the Transfiguration, this year we are hearing Mark’s Gospel account of this event. As is so often the case, every time we encounter the Scriptures, different things may strike us. I kept returning to these words from the second reading, from Peter. These words follow the reminder that God has spoken of his beloved Son.
You will do well to be attentive to it,
as to a lamp shining in a dark place,
Peter reminds us that we should be attentive. However, for me, what may be one of the most alluringly contemplative lines in all of Scripture immediately follows:
until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
I hear those words about the morning star rising in our hearts and I am simply stilled. If I am that still, how can I not be listening to God’s beloved Son and our Savior?
This is as good a way to start a week as any – being still, as the morning star rises in my heart. That also reminds me of what I swore I would do after hearing Sunday’s readings – to stop grumbling. Which I can only do if I listen and am attentive. Let’s see how that goes this week.
Filed under: Immaculate Conception, Monday Musings, Transfiguration
What would I be without my grumbling? But actually, I know what you mean. Best I can do is limit it to 5 minutes twice a day and that doesn’t work for very long. Still, I keep trying. I think I am getting better about being more aware of and during the moment. That makes it easier to catch myself and attempt to re-orient my mind. At least I’m in the process…..And so are you!
As I reflected on the Transfiguration this morning, I was struck by Peter’s busyness because he didn’t know what else to do until God spoke. I also need to listen rather than engage in constant activity. I agree with you that being still is a good way to start a week. It is necessary for me to be still every day of my life and I am learning very slowly.
Like you, Fran, my heart and mind stopped at until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. I enjoyed the beauty of the words and of the thoughts…
Isn’t this a glorious image, the morning star rising in each one of our hearts… This fills me with joy