Mark 9:2-9
The Transfiguration
“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them.”
Every day of our lives we are called to have a real life encounter with the living God, just like the disciples on the mountain. When we experience the love of God in such a profound way as this, we begin to realize that there is no force in the world more powerful then His love. We start to grab a hold of what this life is all about. It becomes a challenge to contain the peace and joy that consume our souls. We recognize that there is no limit to God’s love, and naturally start to reveal His truth and faithfulness through our words and actions.
During this Lenten season God desires to transfigure us into the children he has called us to be. He invites us each day to meet with him and experience an intimate and genuine love. He reminds us that we were created in His image, made to be good and holy disciples. He speaks to our hearts and whispers in our ear. He utters words of encouragement telling us that we are worthy of his grace. Ultimately, we are all destined to live in His light and shine God’s glory.
Shanelle Marie Almaguer
St. Louis De Monfort, Santa Maria
Friday, March 2, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
First Sunday of Lent
Mark 1:12-15
In this Sunday’s Gospel, the Spirit drives Jesus into the desert and he remains there for forty days. He was tempted by the devil, was among wild beasts, and ministered to by the angels. After his time in the desert, Jesus began proclaiming the Gospel.
In this day, so many of us young adults often forget the importance of solitude and ‘quiet time’. Reflecting on this gospel, one wonders why did Jesus seek solitude for such a long time? To prepare for his ministry? To be tested by God as was Abraham and the Israelites? How many of us in our lives find time for solitude, just ‘being’ in the presence? Today’s society could be described as a ‘drive-thru’ and fast-paced one. Is it healthy for our personal lives as well as in ministry work?
Now that the season of Lent is upon us, let us all be driven by the Spirit, seek some time in solitude, and prepare ourselves for the holy journey to the Resurrection. Indeed, we will be tempted by the world (technology, money, fashion, sex, etc), be questioned of our faith by others, and probably experience our own spiritual aridity. Just know that as Jesus had angels minister to him while in the desert, we too are blessed with family and friends to help us along the path of faith. Be prepared, friends, the Kingdom of God is at hand.
Melinda Evangelista
Administrative Secretary
Division of Young Adult Ministry
Office of Religious Education
In this Sunday’s Gospel, the Spirit drives Jesus into the desert and he remains there for forty days. He was tempted by the devil, was among wild beasts, and ministered to by the angels. After his time in the desert, Jesus began proclaiming the Gospel.
In this day, so many of us young adults often forget the importance of solitude and ‘quiet time’. Reflecting on this gospel, one wonders why did Jesus seek solitude for such a long time? To prepare for his ministry? To be tested by God as was Abraham and the Israelites? How many of us in our lives find time for solitude, just ‘being’ in the presence? Today’s society could be described as a ‘drive-thru’ and fast-paced one. Is it healthy for our personal lives as well as in ministry work?
Now that the season of Lent is upon us, let us all be driven by the Spirit, seek some time in solitude, and prepare ourselves for the holy journey to the Resurrection. Indeed, we will be tempted by the world (technology, money, fashion, sex, etc), be questioned of our faith by others, and probably experience our own spiritual aridity. Just know that as Jesus had angels minister to him while in the desert, we too are blessed with family and friends to help us along the path of faith. Be prepared, friends, the Kingdom of God is at hand.
Melinda Evangelista
Administrative Secretary
Division of Young Adult Ministry
Office of Religious Education
Monday, December 19, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The “O” Antiphons
December 17 begins the last week before Christmas, and our anticipation of the great celebration that awaits us grows even stronger. The mood of the season shifts liturgically, as well: The gospels this final week focus on the events that immediately preceded the nativity. And the church reaches back into its history for one of its Advent treasures, the “O” Antiphons.
From December 17 through December 23, the church sings these ancient antiphons at evening prayer (vespers), expressing our longing for the Lord to come into our lives. The antiphons are used in the gospel acclamation at daily mass as well. Each day’s antiphon begins with “O”—a word of excitement, wonder, anticipation, awe—the perfect word, in fact, to express our feelings at this time of the year. Each day we address the Lord using different titles given in the Hebrew scriptures. The antiphons may sound familiar to you if you know the hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” which is based on them.
These antiphons date back at least 13 centuries, maybe longer! Praying with them at this time of year helps connect us to the generations of faithful who have gone before, those who made faith possible for us, who carried Christ incarnate in their hearts for themselves, those around them, and those who would come after them. May we do the same.
Douglas Leal
Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation and Young Adult Ministry
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
From December 17 through December 23, the church sings these ancient antiphons at evening prayer (vespers), expressing our longing for the Lord to come into our lives. The antiphons are used in the gospel acclamation at daily mass as well. Each day’s antiphon begins with “O”—a word of excitement, wonder, anticipation, awe—the perfect word, in fact, to express our feelings at this time of the year. Each day we address the Lord using different titles given in the Hebrew scriptures. The antiphons may sound familiar to you if you know the hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” which is based on them.
These antiphons date back at least 13 centuries, maybe longer! Praying with them at this time of year helps connect us to the generations of faithful who have gone before, those who made faith possible for us, who carried Christ incarnate in their hearts for themselves, those around them, and those who would come after them. May we do the same.
Douglas Leal
Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation and Young Adult Ministry
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Monday, November 14, 2011
Good Sense, Good Air: While we live we are responsible to the Lord
On November 7, Bishop Stephen Blaire of Stockton, CA, and chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, addressed the Christian vocation to cultivate and care for
God’s good gift of Creation in a speech to an ecumenical gathering in Louisville, Kentucky. Bishop Blaire identified how this commitment connects to Catholic concerns for human life and human dignity –
particularly of the poor and vulnerable.
Bishop Blaire said that God’s generous gift of creation demands a response back to God and a duty to steward what God has given to us for the good of all the human family. The bishop highlighted how environmental degradation compromises human life and dignity, especially of the poor and vulnerable. A prime example, he continued, are the adverse impacts which mercury, toxic air pollution and climate change have on human life, particularly on the unborn, in the case of mercury pollution and future generations in the case mercury pollution and future generations in the case of climate change. The full text of his address can be found at http://catholicclimatecovenant.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Bishop-Blaire-November-7-2011.pdf.
God’s good gift of Creation in a speech to an ecumenical gathering in Louisville, Kentucky. Bishop Blaire identified how this commitment connects to Catholic concerns for human life and human dignity –
particularly of the poor and vulnerable.
Bishop Blaire said that God’s generous gift of creation demands a response back to God and a duty to steward what God has given to us for the good of all the human family. The bishop highlighted how environmental degradation compromises human life and dignity, especially of the poor and vulnerable. A prime example, he continued, are the adverse impacts which mercury, toxic air pollution and climate change have on human life, particularly on the unborn, in the case of mercury pollution and future generations in the case mercury pollution and future generations in the case of climate change. The full text of his address can be found at http://catholicclimatecovenant.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Bishop-Blaire-November-7-2011.pdf.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Holidays and Young Adults
The weather has finally turned and the holidays are right around the corner. Our churches and communities will soon be bustling with lots of celebrations! As young adult ministers, though, we should keep in mind that the holidays can sometimes be a tough time for young adults. The emphasis on family and togetherness can be painful for those who find themselves alone at this time of year. And especially in Southern California, there are many young adults who are separated from their families by distance or circumstance. What can your ministry do to support these young adults? The NCYAMA newsletter has some starter ideas (http://www.ncyama.org/newsletter/201111Articles/givingthanks.htm), or share some of your own and we’ll post them on our blog.
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