A WORD FOR TODAY 8 MARCH, 2020

A WORD FOR TODAY

AFTER THE SUFFERING, COMES THE GLORY

When you see someone who has worked very hard to study, rejoicing after passing the exams, you will simply say that his hard work has payed him. There is joy on the face of a farmer who has worked very hard to cultivate his farmland and plant seeds, when he witnesses a bountiful harvest. It gives joy in the heart when you suffer to do things and you get the desired results.

Today we see in the gospel reading, the story of the transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ on the mountain. It is simply the revelation and manifestation of God's glory, who through His Son Our Lord Jesus Christ delivered His people from the power of sin and death.

The experience at the mountain moved Peter and he did not want to go back again to where they came from, but he asked Jesus that they may build three booths, one for Him, one for Moses and one for Elijah. These two great men of old were representing the law and the prophets and they were standing as witnesses to the confirmation the Lord gave through the voice that spoke from the cloud, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him." Peter wanted to remain there and enjoy the glory, forgetting that before the glory will come, one must suffer. Therefore, they have to come down from the mountain and continue their work until the hour of glory.

Jesus will have to carry His cross and die upon it in order to redeem man, but in the end His name will be lifted high above every name and He will rise from the dead to conquer death and also give us the victory we desire over the forces of evil in this life.

If we are going to share in the glory of Christ which has been revealed in the experience of transfiguration, we must be ready to suffer for His sake. We must be ready to die for others, carry our cross daily and make sacrifices that will be pleasing to Him. We will be insulted by people for His sake, but Jesus will transform us and our suffering for Him will bring us glory in the end.

Suffering for Christ must definitely come before the glory. Just like Abraham in the first reading of today, he passed through many challenges, but in the end God blessed him and through him blessed the world also because of his obedience and faithfulness to the Lord's command. Therefore, if there is any difficulty you are passing through at the moment for the sake of Christ, do not be afraid, but remain steadfast in your faith, for your suffering will end someday and your glory will come.

Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you begin your day and do have a glorious Sunday. May Jesus give you the grace of obedience and perseverance in your time of suffering and pain and may your glory come in the end. Amen. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Meditation: Genesis 12:1-4/Psalm 33:4-5,18-19,20,22/2 Timothy 1:8-10/Matthew 17:1-9

Watch-Word: No Cross, No Crown!

The way of the cross, will lead you to the mountain of your transfiguration glory. Never refuse to carry your cross, because in it lies your glory.

(Second Sunday of Lent, Cycle A)