Today's Pause+Pray stresses the importance of solitude. đ
Hello John,
Today's Saint of the Day features the story of the Transfiguration as described in the Synoptic Gospels. It delves into the disciples' experience and the difficulty in capturing the divine encounter in words. The tradition of Mount Tabor as the sacred site and the historical establishment of the feast day are also detailed. This day serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of glory and suffering in the Christian faith and the enduring impact of divine revelations. If you would like to support the ongoing work of Franciscan Media in providing inspirational content and resources, please consider making a donation. Your contribution helps us continue to share uplifting stories and valuable spiritual insights with people around the world. Thank you for your support and generosity. Donate today! |
With prayers and blessings, |
Fr. Dan Kroger, OFM
Franciscan Media CEO and St. Anthony Messenger Publisher [email protected] |
Saint of the Day for August 6: Transfiguration of the Lord (1st. century)
The Story of the Transfiguration of the Lord All three Synoptic Gospels tell the story of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-9; Luke 9:28-36). With remarkable agreement, all three place the event shortly after Peterâs confession of faith that Jesus is the Messiah and Jesusâ first prediction of his passion and death. Peterâs eagerness to erect tents or booths on the spot suggests it occurred during the week-long Jewish Feast of Booths in the fall. According to Scripture scholars, in spite of the textsâ agreement it is difficult to reconstruct the disciplesâ experience, because the Gospels draw heavily on Old Testament descriptions of the Sinai encounter with God, and prophetic visions of the Son of Man. Certainly Peter, James, and John had a glimpse of Jesusâ divinity strong enough to strike fear into their hearts. Such an experience defies description, so they drew on familiar religious language to describe it. And certainly Jesus warned them that his glory and his suffering were to be inextricably connectedâa theme John highlights throughout his Gospel. Tradition names Mount Tabor as the site of the revelation. A church first raised there in the fourth century was dedicated on August 6. A feast in honor of the Transfiguration was celebrated in the Eastern Church from about that time. Western observance began in some localities about the eighth century. On July 22, 1456, Crusaders defeated the Turks at Belgrade. News of the victory reached Rome on August 6, and Pope Callistus III placed the feast on the Roman calendar the following year. Reflection One of the Transfiguration accounts is read on the second Sunday of Lent each year, proclaiming Christâs divinity to the Elect and baptized alike. The Gospel for the first Sunday of Lent, by contrast, is the story of the temptation in the desertâaffirmation of Jesusâ humanity. The two distinct but inseparable natures of the Lord were a subject of much theological argument at the beginning of the Churchâs history; it remains hard for believers to grasp.
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Explore this updated timeless classic from Murray Bodo, OFM Song of the Sparrow: Four Seasons of Prayer |
Your Life Is a Song Give thanks to the Lord always, and your life will be a song. Some songs are sad, of course, but the melody is still there as well as the movement and the feeling of freedom that come from music. To praise and thank God, no matter what happens, is a gift that few possess. To lift your voice and heart on high in failure and defeat places you among the saints, for only faith and love can explain a song of praise and thanksgiving when times are bad. âfrom the book Song of the Sparrow: Four Seasons of Prayer
by Murray Bodo, OFM |
Discover this inspiring enduring classic from Murray Bodo, OFM Song of the Sparrow: Four Seasons of Prayer |
Times of Solitude Reflect It can be exhausting just thinking about all Jesus did! However, with a little detective work, we can find verses indicating that he did find some slices of solitudeâsometimes with his Apostles, sometimes completely alone. Even the Son of God needed his down timeâhis time to pray in peace, his time to rest, his time in seclusion. Pray Jesus, you, too, felt the pressures of the world to do one more thingâ
to go and go.
Help me to imitate you by stopping, finding a place alone,
and just hanging out with you.
Help me to refresh my soul with times of quiet and seclusion. Act Imitate Jesus today by carving out some alone time for yourselfâwith nothing but a heart for prayer. Find your mountain. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Theresa Doyle-Nelson. Learn more here! |
Day Two: A Model of Patience Clareâs Rule shows how determination and perseverance can move mountains, as Sister Margaret Carney explains. |
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