“As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents,* one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying.”
Luke 9:33
How often do we seek those “mountain top” experiences like, like that of Peter, John, and James in our Gospel today. Maybe it is in the form of a retreat, or a special moment in prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament. But inevitably, after we come down from the mountain we find ourselves feeling sad, perhaps even empty. If only we could remain on that mountain top! This was the same experience as Peter following the Transfiguration of Jesus, “let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But Jesus knew that His mission was not on that mountain, but was in Jerusalem. Peter’s mission was not on that mountain either. We should thank the Lord when we have those intense experiences of His grace. But we should not allow ourselves to become stuck in the past. Rather, these experiences should help us to live out our mission wherever it may be, certain of the fact that His grace accompanies us even when we can’t perceive it so clearly. This Lent, we are invited to ask the Lord for the help of His grace, even as we journey through the desert.
How have I allowed those “mountain top” moments in my faith life to aid me when it is more difficult to recognize the Lord’s presence?
We pray for those who feel distant from the Lord, that they may experience His glory as did Peter, John, and James.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Fr. Ralph D’Elia
Did you know...
Fr. Ralph D’Elia was ordained a priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 2019. He is currently assigned as the parochial vicar of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg. Previously Fr. Ralph studied Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, with a specialization in Moral Theology.
