Lenten Journey: Second Sunday - The Mountaintop

Scripture Readings for the Day

Genesis 15: 5-12, 17-18

Psalm 27

Philippians 3:17-4:1

Luke 9:28b-36

For Reflection...

"Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray."

The desert is real -- all too real-- but it hardly encompasses our whole experience of our human condition.  There is also the mountaintop.

At times we get a glimpse of Something More.  We know that, while our feet are grounded in the earth, there is a part of us that is made for Heaven.  Maybe it is only a pinprick of light in an otherwise dark country.  Maybe it is as blindingly bright as the sun.  It may last a long time, or it may pass in an instant, but either way, it is a window on eternity.

And something in our souls recognizes it.

There is something about me that resonates with something I cannot finally name.  I might call it Joy or Love or Grace or Glory, and all those things will be true even as they somehow fall short.  I cannot describe what I see or capture what I feel.  Doubt might creep in from the valley.

But from my view from the mountaintop, I know it's absolutely true.

For Entering In...

- Spend a few moments becoming present to yourself.  Notice how it feels to be in your body, here, now.

- Invite God to be present with you.

- Reflect on these questions:

• Take some time to read the readings of the day.  Read them all and then choose one -- or just choose one.  

• Whatever you have chosen, read it again, slowly.  Notice what speaks to you in this passage.  Is it a phrase?  A word?  Jot it down.

• Hold that word or phrase lightly.  What we are aiming for is for you to take that word or phrase into your heart.  Rather than thinking about what it means, even what it means to you, allow your soul to engage in a kind of free-association.  What comes up for you as you hold the word or phrase?  Just let it come.

• What might God want you to take from this word into your life this week?  Today?  Ask God and quietly listen.  Again, what does your heart say?  Don't let your head tell you it doesn't make sense.  It's okay if it seems like it doesn't.  Just let it be.

• Spend a few minutes in silence with God.  Thank God for whatever you heard during this time of prayer.