Religious Educaion
GOSPEL: Matthew 17:1-9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as dazzling as light. And suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. 'Lord,' he said, 'it is wonderful for us to be here; if you want me to, I will make three shelters here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.' He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and suddenly from the cloud there came a voice which said, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.' When they heard this, the disciples fell on their faces, overcome with fear. But Jesus came up and touched them, saying, 'Stand up, do not be afraid.' And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but Jesus. As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order, 'Tell no one about this vision until the Son of man has risen from the dead.'
REFLECTION
Today Peter, James and John experience the Transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus took these three men up to the top of a mountain. When they arrived there, Jesus was transfigured before them. First, his clothing became dazzling white and then Elijah and Moses appeared and began conversing with Jesus.
After a time, Peter said to Jesus: “Lord, it is good that we are here!” Peter then proposed that three tents be erected: one each for Jesus, one for Elijah and one for Moses. Then a cloud cast a shadow over them and from the cloud, a voice spoke: “This is my beloved Son! Listen to him!” In that instant, Elijah and Moses disappeared and once again the disciples were alone with Jesus. Imagine what went through the disciples’ minds and hearts while all this was occurring. Did they think they were hallucinating? Or were they simply struggling to absorb and understand what they had experienced?
Jesus then instructs his disciples not to tell anyone what they had just experienced. He also told them not to speak of this incident until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. The disciples did not know what to make of Jesus’ words. They continued to ponder the meaning of the question: “what does rising from the dead” mean?
Have you ever had the experience of hearing or sensing God saying to you: “You are my beloved.” Today I invite you to sit quietly and allow God to speak those words to you. Allow yourself to absorb the reality that you truly are the beloved of God. Imagine yourself being enveloped by God’s love and care for 10 minutes or so. God’s love also has the power to also transfigure us!
After a time, thank God for this incredible gift! God appreciates a loving thank you!
In this week’s Gospel, Luke writes: “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, went into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” During his encounter with the devil, the devil tempted Jesus three times. Each temptation tested Jesus. However, with each temptation, Jesus had a response to the devil. Jesus had the inner strength and wisdom to refuse the earthly temptations that the devil placed before him. Jesus was neither interested in power nor wealth, and he refused to prove who he was to anyone, even the devil. Finally, Jesus bluntly told the devil: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test!” Finally, the devil departed.
Today we also encounter these same earthly temptations: having extraordinary abilities, influence, power, and wealth. Do we have the inner strength to refuse these temptations? The world typically applauds those individuals who have power, wealth or extraordinary abilities. Are we content to be satisfied with a normal life, not to be extraordinary?
Jesus wants us to be holy, wise, and discerning individuals. He knew that the temptations of the world are powerful. Jesus also realises that those same temptations do not necessarily bring happiness and peace. Power is extremely seductive. If we are not discerning, power may tempt us to take a road that might lead to our destruction.
Today, be mindful of the concept of power and its ability to seduce you. Ask Jesus to help you stay alert to these temptations. These temptations may seem insignificant. However, if we give into small temptations, we are more likely to give into more dangerous temptations. (Sr Kristine Anne Harpenau)
Catholics around the world celebrate St Patrick's Day on March 17th. St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of overcoming all the ways that evil has tried to take you down and praying for even the people who seek to hurt you.
St. Patrick was a brave man who returned to Ireland, where he had been kept as a slave, to help convert the people of Ireland to Christianity from paganism. He lived with constant danger to his life. Legend has it he drove away the snakes of Ireland and used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. http://www.catholicdigest.com
We celebrate this special day at Mt Carmel as we have a special history with the Sisters of Mercy. This year all students are encouraged to wear green for a gold coin donation which will be donated to the Vinnies Bush Fire Appeal.
ST PATRICK'S DAY PRAYER SERVICE
To celebrate St Patrick's Day, 4KF will be leading us in a Prayer Service on Tuesday 17th March at 9am in the PAC. We welcome our Mt Carmel community to join us for this special occasion.
PROJECT COMPASSION
Around the world, people are coming together to make the world a better place. Whether it's ensuring everyone has access to clean, safe water supplies or a sustainable income source or adequate health care for their families, we’re going to give our all too.
Students are able to give by placing a donation in their classroom Project Compassion box.
Last week we raised a total of $35.35. Thank you to all who contributed.
However you choose to contribute, please donate and help make the world a fairer place for all. Let's go further, together.
God Bless,
Warren Ziebowski
Religious Education Coordinator