And so it goes . . .

Church of the Transfiguration - Israel

Life has been rather surprising the past 6 weeks.  When I started writing my Christmas letter for 2015, my focus was on my pilgrimage to the Holy Land, as most everything else in my life was the same . . . At least at that moment in time.

Advent 2015 began much the same as previous years - focus on preparation, worrying about getting things done, and trying to remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas.  There were Christmas parties to plan, and reconciliation service to attend.  It was especially memorable to think that I was preparing for my pilgrimage to the Holy Land just one short year ago.  I felt a new connection to Mary and Joseph and their journey to Bethlehem.  

The week of Christmas was when life took an unexpected turn.  A casual inquiry about a job quickly became an interesting dilemma.  I wasn't looking, and it showed up.  Lots of prayer and thinking happened over the next days.  It quickly became obvious that this could be a huge opportunity for me, which was both scary and exciting.  Despite the fear of change, I felt called to this move.  This was the opportunity to focus on my passion and dream - a full-time job with a basis in my Catholic faith.

Mt Tabor - Site of the Transfiguration

One month later, I was going to begin my new job.  In the meantime, there was a lot of things to be done, including people to tell, services to discontinue, packing, cleaning, and moving.  None of those things couldn't have happened without God's grace and lots of help!  In one of my discussions with my spiritual director, we talked about the parallel of my life with the liturgical seasons.  In Advent, I was preparing, even though I didn't know for what, exactly.  At Christmas, I was gifted with an amazing opportunity.  And as we transitioned from Christmas to Ordinary Time liturgically, I was transitioning from one place to another.

On Mt. Tabor!

Today, we heard the readings about the Transfiguration.  This touched me for two reasons:  1) I was at Mount Tabor just over a year ago!!!  2) My life has undergone a 'transfiguration' of sorts.  According to dictionary.com, transfigured means, 'to change in outward form or appearance; transform.'  Yes, that definitely applies.  Just about everything that could change in my life has - city, profession, job description, living arrangements, you get the idea.  But what's more important, in my opinion, are the internal changes that are happening.

Jesus' transfiguration showed his glory, but it wasn't about basking in the glory of the change.  His Divine Presence was revealed, but He still went down the mountain and continued His work.  I feel very blessed to have an opportunity where, because of the external changes in my life, I have the privilege of refocusing my internal priorities as well.  Just as the disciples wanted to revel in the beauty of the mountain-top experience, I am enjoying the challenge, change, and excitement of a new job.  Yet, I believe that the true transformation will be evident in the routine, after the newness wears off.  Day in and day out, we are each called to live transfigured, because our lives (should) reflect Christ to the world.  Our duality as Christians calls us to live in God's presence while living in the world.

I still wonder if this is all a dream.  Like Peter in the Gospel, am I still asleep?  I feel like I woke up and my life was completely changed.  Prior to Advent, I would have said this Matt Maher song was my mantra and prayer, A Future Not My Own (lyrics here).
      

Now, I am convinced that my future is not my own, but by aligning my life with God's plan, things became much more clear.  I can't see the future, but I'm secure in my journey, one day at a time.

Prayer:  Lord, help us to take the message of the transfiguration to heart.  We are called to see Your glory, and cling to that promise, while continuing to live in this world.  May our lives be a reflection of You in all that we say and do.  Help us keep the fire burning, even in the midst of pain and persecution.