Hi all,Welcome to the Second Sunday of Lent! Today the Church gives us the awesome and shocking event of the Transfiguration. So find that comfortable spot for your body and your heart and let the Word of God come down upon you. Know of my prayers and please, let's keep one another in prayer!
Opening Prayer: Litany of St. Joseph
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us. Holy Mary, pray for us. Saint Joseph, pray for us. Noble Offspring of David, pray for us. Light of Patriarchs, pray for us. Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us. Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us. Foster-Father of the Son of God, pray for us. Zealous Defender of Christ, pray for us. Head of the Holy Family, pray for us. Joseph Most Just, pray for us. Joseph Most Chaste, pray for us. Joseph Most Prudent, pray for us. Joseph Most Courageous, pray for us. Joseph Most Obedient, pray for us. Joseph Most Faithful, pray for us. Mirror of Patience, pray for us. Lover of Poverty, pray for us. Model of Workmen, pray for us. Glory of Domestic Life, pray for us. Guardian of Virgins, pray for us. Pillar of Families, pray for us. Comfort of the Afflicted, pray for us. Hope of the Sick, pray for us. Patron of the Dying, pray for us. Terror of Demons, pray for us. Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us. He has made him lord of his household,And prince over all his possessions.Let us pray. O God, who, in your loving providence, chose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most Holy Mother, grant us the favor of having him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our protector. You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen. Gospel Reading: Mark 9: 2-10 Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them.As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant. Questions for Reflection (note - consider keeping a journal with your answers during the retreat): 1. We find Peter, James, and John "terrified" at this event, and then receiving the words from God, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him". Consider a time in your life when you were terrified or afraid. How did God speak to you? If you didn't receive any words from God during that time, in prayer talk to and listen to God now to see if He offers any words or insights. 2. Name a thing or two that you would like transfigured in your life so as to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ. Bring these to the Lord to discuss and discover. Activities: 1. Make a list of people, perhaps a person for each remaining day in Lent, to have the Holy Spirit overshadow by remembering them in your daily prayers.
2. As a family, create cards of prayer and encouragement that you can deliver to folks who are needing a kind word. Contact your parish to see if there are parishioners in need while also considering family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc who might benefit from this kind word. Closing Prayer: Hail, Holy QueenHail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to you we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.