Recall a moment in your life when you experienced a foretaste of God’s glory. How often do you go back to it? - Daily Reflections August 6,2013

FROM FORETASTE TO FULL TASTE

 

When I was still a seminarian, I had the opportunity to go through a 30-day retreat. In the beginning, I found it very difficult. I was literally counting the days, but things changed on the last week. Because I had entered into the spirit of the retreat, I began to love every moment of communing with God. Suddenly, the days were going so fast and, before I knew it, we were already on the 30th day! I remember saying, “I hope I can just remain here.”

       The transfiguration of Jesus happened after Peter’s profession of faith and Jesus’ declaration on what His followers should do. Jesus, in a way, was warning His Apostles. The Apostles were jarred; fear had crept into their veins. It was a crucial moment. Should they go or retreat?

       The above situation, I believe, made Jesus decide eight days later to transfigure before some of His Apostles. They needed some kind of boost. Jesus gave them a glimpse of His divinity, a foretaste of bliss. Peter saw Jesus’ glory and the vision of Moses and Elijah. He was so heavenly inebriated that he said, “Master, how fortunate that we are here. We can make three tents — one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He was so enamored by the experience that he was willing to stay where they were as long as possible.

       Unfortunately for Peter and the other Apostles, the ministry of Jesus was not yet finished. They had to go down from the mountain and proclaim the Good News. Unfortunately for me, too, I had to go back to the seminary, study and be ordained. Even if Peter denied the Lord three times after that incident, he repented and Jesus still made him the leader of His Apostles. While I, too, became unfaithful to the Lord many times after my retreat, I repented and the Lord still called me to be His priest.

       The Lord continues to inspire us and make His presence felt. It is not a guarantee of our immediate holiness, but it should encourage us to persist even in our weakness so we can fully savor and experience what before was given only as a foretaste. Fr. Benny Tuazon

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Recall a moment in your life when you experienced a foretaste of God’s glory. How often do you go back to it?

 

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for making Your presence felt in my life. I believe that You are always with me — on the mountaintop and on the rough roads of life.