Sharing Guidelines
Sharing is not a time for teaching or debate; it is a time to sense the marvelous work of the Holy Spirit who leads the gathering.
Reflection sharing is not meant to teach others but to share the meaning you personally have discovered. Therefore, do not criticize or debate another person’s sharing. Avoid boasting of your own understanding or knowledge.
Respect the grace of the Holy Spirit, who reveals the meaning of the Word while dwelling among us, and listen attentively to others’ sharing, holding it in your heart.
Keep confidential any personal reflections or stories shared in the group; practicing brotherly love means not passing along private matters outside the meeting.
When speaking, always use the first person singular (“I”). Be careful not to distance or generalize your story by using the third person (“he,” “they”) or the first person plural (“we”).
Keep it short.
Reading 1
Genesis 12:1-4a
The LORD said to Abram:
“Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk
and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.
“I will make of you a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
so that you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you
and curse those who curse you.
All the communities of the earth
shall find blessing in you.”
Abram went as the LORD directed him.
Reading 2
2 Timothy 1:8b-10
Beloved:
Bear your share of hardship for the gospel
with the strength that comes from God.
He saved us and called us to a holy life,
not according to our works
but according to his own design
and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began,
but now made manifest
through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus,
who destroyed death and brought life and immortality
to light through the gospel.
Gospel Matthew 17:1-9 Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” -The Gospel of the Lord -Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ
Today’s Reflection
Jesus came to us as both fully human and fully God. The Gospels show this in many ways. His suffering and death show his human side, and his Resurrection shows his divine side. The Transfiguration that we remember today shows his divine glory ahead of time, the glory that would be fully revealed after the Resurrection.
The story of the Transfiguration is full of signs from the Old Testament. The “high mountain” and Jesus shining with glory remind us of the Exodus and the time in the desert. Peter’s wish to build tents also connects to this. Moses and Elijah are great prophets who showed God’s power and glory: Moses through the Exodus, and Elijah through his victory over the prophets of Baal. Their presence shows that the glory of Jesus is the same glory of God.
The Gospel says, “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.” It is hard to describe God’s glory with human words. Maybe Peter’s words say it best: “Lord, it is good that we are here” The Transfiguration reminds us that Jesus is truly God, but he also chose to walk the path of suffering for our salvation. That is why his Passion is precious, and the love shown through his suffering is great.
(허규 베네딕토 신부)
Sharing:
1. Let’s share the word or phrase that touched our hearts.
2. Let’s share what kind of “glory” we usually seek in life, such as worldly success, recognition, and comfort, and what the true glory is that Jesus wants for us.