Respectfully Submitted by Kelley Dial

This week’s Gospel reading relates the ultimate mountaintop experience.  Jesus’ transfiguration witnessed by Peter, James, and John (with Moses and Elijah showing up as well).  That event happened prior to the resurrection and Jesus urged his three disciples, especially the impulsive, impatient Peter, to hold their tongues about the thrilling experience until the rest of the story had played out, until after the resurrection.  We, however, don’t have to keep such things to ourselves. We are encouraged to “tell the story”  In the words of the old hymn based on a poem by Katherine Hankey:

I love to tell the story

of unseen things above, 

of Jesus and his glory, 

of Jesus and his love.

I love to tell the story, 

because I know ’tis true.

It satisfies my longings 

as nothing else can do.

I love to tell the story, 

’twill be my theme in glory 

To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

As Mother Mary and Christopher McAbee jointly share their thoughts with us. we were reminded that by intentionally living into our relationship with God every day we are, in fact, living out our baptismal covenant.  As a reminder, and slightly paraphrased to take out the question and answer format, at our Baptisms we (or our parents on our behalf until our confirmation)  make the following affirmations:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.  He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.  He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.  He descended to the dead.  On the third day, he rose again.  He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection fo the body, and the life everlasting. With God’s help, I will continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.  With God’s help, I will persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever I fall into sin, I will repent and return to the Lord.  With God’s help, I will proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.  With God’s help, I will seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving my neighbor as myself. With God’s help, I will strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being

This is our story.  We are instructed to tell it always, but especially during Lent.  One way to tell that story is through supporting Path to Shine, the mentoring program Christopher McAbee shared with us.  For more information speak with Christopher.  Read more about Path to Shine at https://pathtoshine.org/

We each have a unique version of the story to share.  During the Holy Season of Lent, be storytellers.

Peace,

Kelley Dial