August 6, 2025

Transfiguration

August 6, 2025:  Transfiguration of the Lord

See two dozen connections with today?
Legend below

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*listening tips
Pope Leo General Audience:  Replace false security with justice

I'm praying for all who have suffered the physical, psychological, and social consequences of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  The tragic events warn us against the devastation caused by war, particularly by nuclear weapons.  I hope the world, plagued by divisions and violence, will replace its false sense of security based on the threat of mutual destruction with justice, dialogue, and trust in fraternity.

Read
Verklärung Christi/ Lotto
  • Dn 7:9-10, 13-14  The Ancient One took his throne, clothing bright as snow, hair white as wool; myriads attended him.  One like a Son of man came on the clouds and received everlasting dominion and glory; all peoples serve him.
  • Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9  "The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth."  Justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.  Mountains melt like wax before him.  All peoples see his glory.
  • 2 Pt 1:16-19  We're eyewitnesses of Christ's majesty.  He received glory from the Father who declared, “This is my Son, my beloved....”  We heard this voice from heaven on the holy mountain.  Be attentive to the reliable prophetic message we have, as to a lamp shining in the dark till the morning star rises in your hearts. 
    • Lk 9:28b-36  While Jesus was up with Peter, John, and James praying, his face changed, his clothing dazzled, and Moses and Elijah, in glory, conversed with him.  Peter and his companions woke and saw his glory and the two men.  Peter told Jesus, “It's good we're here; let's make tents for you, Moses, and Elijah.”  A cloud cast a shadow over them, they became frightened, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”  They fell silent and didn't tell anyone what they saw.
    Reflect
    Transfiguration/ Ivanov
    • Creighton: Despite life's hurts, losses, and disappointments, there are resurrections, flowing from Jesus' Resurrection.  True love never dies; the light always shines. We need to listen to God's chosen son.  Though we can be terrified when we suffer, we in faith remember that Christ's light shines forever and gives us hope.  As God calls Christ his beloved son, God loves us his children, and we shine with divine light when we love.  To love someone is to transform both them and ourselves.  May we always feel Christ's love and manifest it in our daily lives.

      Transfiguration of Christ      ,
      from iconostasis (12th c.)
      More Transfiguration art
    • One Bread, One Body:  "Sleeping in class":  The Father spoke at Jesus' Transfiguration to tell the disciples to listen to Jesus, but Peter, James, and John kept falling asleep.  When they awoke, they found his captors at hand, abandoned him, and fled.  Jesus will teach us till we learn.  Look and listen.
    • Passionist:  Transfiguration Day is a memorial to all we're called to be.  Christ was transfigured into the glory promised to us.  May we unleash God's love on the earth, not nukes.  Pray for peace.
    • Universalis:  The Transfiguration sounds magical.  Jesus on the mountain, dazzling, with prophets speaking to him....  There's no reason to invent it:  it's not central to the Christian case, and it doesn't win arguments; it's in the Gospel because it happened.  We see Jesus as prophet, prophesied, and God.  Consider the miracle outside the Transfiguration:  Jesus hid his glory so well.

    Dress legend
    • "C3 Conference" lanyard"  Archdiocese of Los Angeles C3CON 2025 is in progress
    • '1' button from OneLifeLA:  The Ancient One took his throne (1st reading)
    • Suspenders with globe:  All peoples, nations, and languages serve him (1st reading); let earth rejoice (psalm)
    • 'Crown' tie pin:  His kingship shall not be destroyed (1st reading); the Lord is king (psalm)
    • Tie with clouds, students (likely with books in backpacks :-):  One coming on the clouds of heaven; the books were opened (1st reading); clouds and darkness are round about the Lord (psalm); a cloud cast a shadow; from the cloud came a voice... (gospel)
    • 'Eyeball' pin:  I saw One like a Son of man (1st reading); we were eyewitnesses of our Lord's majesty (2nd reading); when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw only Jesus; "don't tell anyone the vision yet" (gospel)
    • White shirt:  "His clothing was bright as snow and hair white as wool" (1st reading); "His clothes became white as light" (gospel); liturgical color for today's celebration
    • 'Alps' pin:  "The mountains melt like wax before the Lord" (psalm); "we heard the Father's voice while we were on the holy mountain" (2nd reading); Jesus led them up a high mountain (gospel)
    • 'Waxy' tent-shaped pin:  "The mountains melt like wax before the Lord" (psalm); "I'll make three tents" (gospel)
    • 'Street light' tie bar:  Be attentive to prophecy as to a lamp shining in the dark... (2nd reading)
    • 'Star' tie pin':  "...until the morning star rises..." (2nd reading)
    • 'Heart' pin:  "...in your hearts." (2nd reading)
    • 'Sun' pin:  Jesus' face shone like the sun (gospel)
    Special greetings to and prayers for the community at
    Transfiguration Parish, School, and Preschool, Los Angeles
    About

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    August 5, 2025

    Aug. 5

    August 5, 2025:  Tuesday, 18th week, Ordinary Time

    See a dozen connections with today?
    Legend below

    Listen
     Pope Leo to Hiroshima bishop:  Pursue peace

    Nuclear arms offend our humanity and betray the dignity of creation.  Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain living reminders of the horrors of nuclear weapons.  The survivors' stories summon us to build a safer world and foster peace.  As Pope Francis said, war is always a defeat for humanity; true peace demands laying weapons down, especially those that can cause a catastrophe.  Hiroshima and Nagasaki urge us to reject the illusion of security founded on mutually assured destruction.  We must forge a global ethic rooted in justice, fraternity, and the common good.  May this anniversary call the international community to renew its commitment to pursuing lasting, unarmed, disarming, peace.

     Read
    • Nm 12:1-13  Miriam and Aaron complained, “Is it through Moses alone, or doesn't the Lord speak through us too?”  Lord to the 3:  “If there's a prophet among you, I'll reveal myself in visions and dreams, but not so with Moses, with whom I speak plainly face to face!  Why did you speak against Moses?”  In anger he turned Miriam into a snow-white leper!  When Aaron saw her, he told Moses, “Please don't charge us with this sin!  Don't let her be like this.”  Moses to Lord, “Please heal her!”
    • Ps 51:3-7, 12-13  "Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned."  Wash me from my guilt.  I acknowledge my offense.  A clean heart create for me....
    • Mt 14:22-36  Jesus made the disciples get into a boat then went to pray.  When waves tossed the boat, he walked on the sea toward them.  Seeing him, they were terrified:  “It's a ghost!”  Jesus / Peter:  “Don't be afraid.” / “Lord, if it's you, command me to come to you.” / “Come.”  He walked on the water toward Jesus but became frightened and started to sink:  “Lord, save me!”  Jesus, catching him:  “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”  They got into the boat, and the wind subsided.  “Truly, you're the Son of God.”  At Gennesaret, people touched his cloak and were healed.
    • or Mt 15:1-2, 10-14  Pharisees and scribes / Jesus:  “Why do your disciples break elders' tradition, not washing their hands before eating?” / “It's not what enters one’s mouth that defiles you but what comes out.”  Disciples / Jesus:  “They took offense at what you said.” / “Every plant my Father didn't plant will be uprooted.  Let them alone; they're blind guides of the blind.  If a blind man leads a blind man, both fall.
    Reflect
    • Creighton:  How often have we imagined a reunion to look similar to what we’ve seen in the movies?  But usually there's hesitation, even awkwardness. When Jesus commanded Peter to walk on water to him, Peter began with confidence but then realized he was out of his comfort zone and hesitated.  When Jesus asks something of me, my faith can falter.  Peter called out to the Lord, and Jesus and caught him.  Pray, aware of Christ's open arms, and run to his embrace.
    • One Bread, One Body:  "Repair shop":  When wrongly rebuked, Moses responded by praying for the healing of his tormentor.  He prayed for Miriam after she accused him, and she was healed.  Jesus prayed and suffered for his accusers, and those who repented and received him were given eternal life.  Bearing wrongs, he completed the greatest work of mercy, dying for his enemies.  Many have dedicated their lives to reparation, but repairers aren't keeping pace with sin.  Will you work for Jesus by doing repair work?
    • Passionist:  Moses had a special place in God’s eyes; he spoke with God face to face, but Miriam criticized Moses.  When things don’t go the way we want, do we listen and discern, or just criticize?  
    Re the gospel, do you find it strange no one in the boat recognizes Jesus?  After Jesus announces himself, Peter decides to get out and walk toward him.  Peter tries to lead a church that is tossed around, trying to keep his eyes on Jesus.  May we look not at the abyss of negativity but at Jesus.
    • DailyScripture.net:  "It is I; don't fear":  Though the disciples were experienced, they feared for their lives, but Jesus came to them.  Do I look for the Lord when in difficulty?  Peter acted on impulse. Much failure in Christian life is due to acting on impulse without counting the cost. Peter's failures made him love and trust the Lord more....
    Dress legend

    • Flesh-colored suspenders:  "Let [Miriam] not be like the stillborn babe that comes forth from its mother's womb with flesh half consumed" (1st reading)
    • Blue, green, and white shirt (oops; packed the wrong shirt):  Peter:  "Lord, if it's you, command me to come to you on the water" (gospel); white for "snow-white" Miriam (1st reading), green for Ordinary Time season
    • 'Boats' tie:  Jesus and disciples in storm-tossed boat (gospel)
    • 'Mountain' tie pin: Jesus went up on the mountain to pray (gospel)
    • 'Heart' pin:  "A clean heart create for me, O God" (psalm)
    • "Boundless mercy" pin:  "Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned" (psalm)
    • 'Holy Spirit' chain:  "Take not your Holy Spirit from me" (psalm)
    • 'Walker' tie pin:  Jesus and Peter walking on water (gospel)
    • 'Hand' tie pin:  Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter (gospel); "Why don't your disciples wash their hands?" (gospel)
    • '?' tie pin:  Six questions in 1st reading and gospels
    • 'Plant' pin:  "Every plant my Father didn't plant will be uprooted (alt. gospel)

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    August 4, 2025

    John Vianney

     August 4, 2025:  St. John Vianney, Priest

    See 17 connections with today?
    Legend at bottom

    Listen


    For gospel
    Read
    • Nm 11:4b-15  Israelites:  “Would that we had meat!  We miss the food we ate in Egypt.  We're famished now and see nothing but this manna.”  When Moses heard the people's cry, angering the Lord, he was grieved.  Moses to Lord:  “Why do you treat me so badly?  Why are you so displeased with me that you burden me with these people?  Where can I get meat for them?  They're too heavy for me to carry.  If you're going to deal with me like this, just kill me now....”
    • Ps 81:12-17  "Sing with joy to God our help."  “My people didn't obey me, so I gave them up to their stubbornness and let them go their own way.  If they'd hear me and walk in my ways, I'd humble their enemies and fill them with honey from the rock....”
    • Mt 14:13-21  When Jesus saw the crowd, his heart was moved, and he cured their sick.  Disciples / Jesus:  "Let the crowds go buy food." / “You give them food.” / “We only have five loaves and two fish.” / “Bring them.”  He took, blessed, and broke them and gave them to the disciples to give out.   All 5,000 men, plus women and children, ate and were satisfied, and baskets were left over.
    • Creighton:  We know the gospel story ends with more food in the baskets than at the start.  Imagine that after Jesus' message, some in the crowd were moved to share what they brought.  Could that be part of the miracle?  Are we willing to share what we have with the needy?  To help at the food pantry?  To give when the basket is passed?  May we consider others' needs more....
    • One Bread, One Body:  "Making believers out of us":  Just before Jesus' death, he took bread and wine and said, “This is My body” and "This is My blood."  The Lord fed the Israelites for forty years, giving them bread from heaven.  Jesus shows his lordship, healing the sick, multiplying loaves and fish, walking on water, and rising from the dead.  May we believe in miracles, in Jesus' presence in the Eucharist, in him as risen Lord and God.
    • Passionist:  "Serving God's People":  “Jesus withdrew to a deserted place.”  John the Baptist gave his life for Jesus; his death must have grieved Jesus deeply.  Moses responds to the Israelites' grumbling about the miraculous food God provided.  Moses, challenged by the situation, cried to God for relief.  St. John Vianney had a humble background and a zeal for spreading God’s forgiveness and love.  He's known for his ministry of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, daily sharing God’s love with penitents.  His ministry flowed from a spiritual life based on prayer and mortification.  He witnessed God's love that Moses and John the Baptist witnessed.  Pope Benedict named him patron of all parish priests.  How zealous am I for my faith?  Do I offer forgiveness and encouragement?  Do I listen?  Do I give of myself in service?  We have great examples of zealous, charitable love of God and others.  Let’s pray for priests and all parish ministers. -May God bless us all in our vocation as disciples of Jesus Crucified; may we be blessed with great and generous love!
    • DailyScripture.net:  "Jesus blessed the loaves and fishes":  Many were drawn to Jesus because they were hungry for God.  Jesus' message and miracles stirred hope that God was acting to set people free and bless them.  Jesus never disappointed those who sought him.  When he and his disciples discovered the crowd gathered, he welcomed them, spoke God's word, and healed many.  Later, he commanded his disciples to feed them, likely to test their faith and give them a sign of God's intervention and favor.  He blessed the little they had, distributed it to all, and satisfied them; and the leftovers show God's generosity.  The feeding recalled the manna in the wilderness and foreshadowed the heavenly bread Jesus would pass on at the Last Supper.  Jesus claimed, as only God can, that he's the true bread of heaven that satisfies our deepest hunger. The miracle prefigures the Eucharist that sustains us on our journey.  God multiplies what we have so we may bring others his blessing.  The miracle shows God's generosity and kindness.  God gives more than we need so we'll have something to share with those who lack what they need.
    • Universalis:  St Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney, son of a peasant farmer, slow and unpromising candidate for the priesthood, was eventually ordained on account of his devoutness.  He was sent to Ars, an isolated village, and remained there; his parishioners wouldn't let him leave. He was a noted preacher, and a celebrated confessor: such was his fame, and his reputation for insight into his penitents’ souls and their futures, that he had to spend up to eighteen hours a day in the confessional, so great was the demand. Tens of thousands came to visit this obscure parish priest.
    Dress legend

    • White shirt:  Liturgical color for St. John Vianney memorial
    • 'Gun' pin:  "If this is how you'll deal with me, just kill me now" (1st reading)

    • 'Fish' pin:  "We remember the fish we ate in Egypt" (1st reading)"; 5 loaves, 2 fish (gospel)
    • 'Honey' tie, 'rock' tie pin:  "... and fill them with honey from the rock" (psalm)
    • 'Musical notes with "joy"' pin, 'keyboard' suspenders:  "Sing with joy to God our help" (psalm)
    • 'Hand' tie pin:  "If my people would hear and follow me, I'd turn my hand against their foes" (psalm); Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter (gospel)
    • 'Heart' pin:  "I gave them up to the hardness of their hearts" (psalm); Jesus' heart was... (gospel)
    • 'Abacus' tie pin:  'Multiplication' of the loaves and fishes (you too can multiply)  (gospel)
    • 'Boat' tie bar:  Jesus withdrew in a boat (gospel)
    • 'Feet' pin:  The crowds followed Jesus on foot (gospel)
    • 'Silverware' tie bar:  All ate and were satisfied (gospel)
    • 'Alps' pin:  Jesus went up on the mountain by himself to pray (gospel)
    • 'Wave' tie bar:  The boat was being tossed about by waves (gospel)
    • 'Walker' tie pin:  They walked according to their own counsels; if only Israel would walk in my ways (psalm); Jesus came towards them, walking on the sea; Peter started to walk on water (gospel)
    • '?' tie pin:  "Why did you doubt?" (gospel)
    • 'Red cross" pin:  All who touched Jesus' cloak were healed (gospel)
    • "Boundless mercy" button:  St. John Vianney ministered God's merciful love

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