Sharing of life: Note to newcomers: The purpose of the sharing of life question is to help you to get to know each other. The question is: What are you most and least grateful for this week? Sample responses: "I am most grateful for positive results to a medical test for my family. I am least grateful for bad health, for my busy life style, etc.

Facilitator reads focus statement: In the first reading, God makes a fiery appearance to Abraham as a way to renew his covenant with him. In the gospel, three Apostles are blessed with a glimpse of the glorified Christ. In the second reading, Paul exhorts his worldly centered readers to keep their focus on the world that is to come.

If you have not read the commentary on the reading, consider reading it after each reading.

FIRST READING: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18

This covenant-making reading opens with God promising Abram descendents and land. Considering that both Abram and Sara were nomads and beyond childbearing years, God's promise seemed entirely impossible to fulfill. Nevertheless, Abram placed his trust and faith in God's ability to fulfill his promises. When Abram wonders how God can fulfill such outlandish promises, God responds by creating a covenant ritual. Several animals are sliced in two parts. In ancients times, the contracting parties would walk between the divided animal, understanding if they failed to keep their piece of the contract they would accept a fate like that of the animal. "Birds of prey swooping down on the carcasses" symbolize forces hostile to Israel.

Then Abram is induced into a deep sleep suitable for divine communications. But note only God, symbolized by a "smoking fire" and a "flaming torch", walked between the divided animals. By acting thus, God was entering into a unilateral covenant of unconditional love with Abram and his descendents. Even if Abram or his descendents fail to trust, God will still continue to love them. The covenant enacted in this reading led to the covenant at Sinai and culminated in the new and eternal covenant which Jesus sealed in his own blood on Calvary.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 27

This psalm speaks of trust in God. Abram, against all odds, placed his trust in God.

SECOND READING: Philippians 3:17 - 4:1

In these verses, Paul is expressing concern that his beloved Philippians will be mislead by the bad example of some people in their midst who are "enemies of the Christ" and whose "god is their belly". Paul tells his readers not to imitate such people. Rather, they should imitate him who is dedicated to following the true teaching of Christ. Paul reminds the Philippians that here on earth they are pilgrims. Their true home is in heaven. Their involvement in the world must be tempered by the realization that everything here on earth is of a temporary nature as the "9/11 experience" brought home to us so clearly.

GOSPEL: Luke 9:28-36

The Transfiguration of Jesus is an epiphany story. In epiphany stories, the veil, which separates the invisible world from the visible, and the future from the present, is removed temporarily and the divine is revealed.

In today's Gospel, Jesus goes with his inner circle to pray. Some scholars suggest that, at this point in Jesus' ministry, he was wondering if he should stay in Galilee to continue to preach the Gospel or continue to Jerusalem where he would most likely be killed. During his prayer on the mountain, Jesus has a mystical experience. God's presence is revealed to him in a very powerful way. "While he was praying, his face changed in appearance."

Then the two giants of Israel's religion appear, Moses (symbolizing the Law) and Elijah (symbolizing the Prophets). They "spoke of his Exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem." This is a reference to Jesus' passage through death to new life. Jesus now knows he must go to Jerusalem, even if it means death. (This is not unlike great leaders who know they must go to places that may well cost them their lives).

Then Luke tells us how this story was also a "mountaintop" or awe-filled experience for Peter, James and John. They were so overcome with what was going on, that Peter suggested they set up camp and never leave the place (just like we might feel after a wonderful retreat experience). But Peter was "in over his head". He did not know what he was saying. He didn't yet know that before the glory comes the cross.

Then a heavenly voice speaks: "This is my chosen Son; listen to him." These words were a wonderful act of affirmation for Jesus by his Father. For the Apostles, it was a moment of great revelation. The One in their midst was truly God's Chosen One! They must listen to him and follow him. Of course, they would only recognize the full meaning of this awe-filled event after Jesus had passed through death into new life. This event was a glimpse of what was ahead for Jesus and his inner circle.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse, image or idea spoke to you in the readings? Why?

2. It must have been very hard for Abraham to believe that the promises made to God would be fulfilled. Can you recall a time when your faith in God was tested or when you found it hard to place your trust in God?

3. In the second reading, Paul says that some people "conduct themselves as enemies of the cross" (they don't want to deal with the tough stuff of life). How easy or hard is it for you to negotiate the tough challenges of life, e.g. loss, aging, relational conflicts, etc? What helps you to face and deal with life's tough challenges?

4. What helps and hinders you from listening to Jesus? What are the characteristics of a good listener?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on these readings. Suggestions: Try to be a good witness or example in your environment. Be attentive to the in-breakings of God into the everyday events and encounters of your life. Say "no" to the desires of your belly by fasting one day this week.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Especially pray for people who work in retreat houses and for spiritual directors. ©