Not long ago my oldest daughter returned from her first-ever teen retreat. It was a weekend of inspiring music, heartfelt testimonies, and eucharistic adoration. Sitting at the breakfast table the Tuesday morning after, she burst into tears: "Why can't the world here be like it was on retreat!" She had come back into our sometimes unruly, less-than-perfect household, and the bickering brothers and sisters and grouchy parents couldn't compare to the intense experience of charity that had been hers that weekend. Like Peter in today's Gospel, she had glimpsed heaven and wanted to make it stay. After seeing his transfigured Lord conversing with Moses and Elijah, Peter exclaims, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." How many times have we been just like Peter! We have an incredible encounter with Dog's presence, a "mountain-top" experience, and then we cling t that memory, for better or worse, effectively missing everyday life as we long for a return of the moment of glory. Today, let us live not in Christ past, but in Christ present - as he is present to us in our sisters and brothers.
Reflection based on Luke 9:28b-36
Lisa Lickona
Father in heaven, awaken in my heart an awareness of the
presence of your Son in my life this very day.
Today's suggested penance: Listen to someone you would otherwise pass by.