This is My Beloved Son…
Each year on the Second Sunday of Lent we hear the Gospel of the Transfiguration of Jesus. In the account given in St. Matthew’s Gospel, Peter, James, and John witness the appearance of Jesus, His face shining like the sun and His clothes as white as light as He converses with Moses and Elijah. After this, Peter proposes to erect three tents for them, and a bright cloud overshadows them from which comes a voice that says, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him” (Mt 17:5).
Of course, we know that this voice is that of the Father. In the wonder of the moment of the glory of the Transfiguration, which manifests the power of the divinity of Our Lord, His relationship with His heavenly Father is confirmed by the Father, who proclaims the identity of Jesus as the Beloved Son. There can be no doubt about who Jesus is. He is not simply a great prophet, or a religious leader, or a worldly messiah. No, He is the Son of the Father. He is God Himself. He is in union with the Father. As He would state, and as is recorded in St. John’s Gospel, “The Father and I are one” (Jn 10:30).
After the Father affirms who Jesus is as His beloved Son, He addresses Peter, James, and John saying, “…listen to Him.” In reality, the Father is speaking to each one of us also. After we recognize the identity of Jesus, then we must listen to His words, model our lives after His life, accept Him as the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6), and imitate His laying down His life for us in sacrifice. We see that the glory Jesus prefigured in the Transfiguration would be preceded by His Passion and Death. Only through the Cross did Jesus lay hold of His Resurrection.
So, my friends, we see that the identity of Jesus as Son of the Father and true God tells us that He is the fullness of truth and, as a result we must follow Him with our whole heart, mind, and soul, even when this means suffering for us. We will only share in His glory when we lay down our life in union with Him. The glory of the Transfiguration and Resurrection of Jesus comes to us when we offer ourselves, and even our lives, in union with the Passion of Jesus for the love of Him, the Father and the Holy Spirit and the love of our brothers and sisters. For us, the way of the Cross is truly the path of joy and love when we keep our eyes on Jesus, who walks it with us, and when we give ourselves over to Him in love.
What a wonderful reminder to us as we lay down our lives to establish a culture of life and a civilization of love! We walk the way of the Cross at Planned Parenthood and in all of our Pro-Life work. It may be painful and frustrating as we do all we can to save the unborn children and support their mothers. But the glory of Jesus’ Resurrection keeps us going. For, it is by His power that the victory for the unborn and all those harmed by abortion will come!
Most Reverend William J. Waltersheid
Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh
READ ON FOR TODAY’S SIDEWALK STORIES…
Nikki & Mark
(From Nikki) – It was nearly impossible to hand out literature this morning, as it would become completely soggy within seconds. But the constant rain made it all the better to pray unceasingly, and made our witness even stronger. Sadly we saw about 5 abortion-bound women go in while we were there. One that really stuck out for me was a very young, pretty girl, who was taken in by her mom…and then the mom left her in there. My grandchildren are one of the biggest joys of my life. What a tragedy to pay to have your own grandchild killed. A young woman stopped to tell me that she had come here for the abortion pill many years ago, and now she is unable to have kids because of a medical condition. She wanted a rosary and I gave her a post-abortive pamphlet. She gave me a hug before walking away. The people going in today seemed determined and callous. We prayed. I offered my prayers this morning for little Wintana, who was saved from an abortion 7 years ago and is being operated on today for a brain tumor. Also for Conrad’s son, who had surgery yesterday following a car accident and has another surgery today and is in a bad way. Lots to pray for!
Susan & Cheryl
(From Sue) – there were about 5 women who went in during our shift. And some that came out too. We gave lit and offered help to as many women as we could. Cheryl prayed non stop. It rained tears from heaven most of the shift, but it was warm. Lots of workmen and projects going on all over town.
Linda, Sam & Ed
(From Linda) – The rain stopped for the first hour and half of our shift, which was a big blessing. There were several women and couples going in and out of Planned Parenthood during our time on the sidewalk. No one was interested in taking information or learning about any help. However, we were blessed by positive comments from people passing by, which is always an encouragement.
The year-round regulars were present on our shift: Cheryl, Sam, Ed and Bob.
Cil, Carolyn & Fr. Jim
The temperature was comfortable enough. It was raining when we arrived but thankfully cleared up in about a half hour. So it was nice to not have to hold an umbrella. Unfortunately I didn’t remember to snap a photo after the rain stopped. But we look about the same as last week. Just a bit water logged. 🙂
It was busy on the sidewalk. Many coming and going from the death mill. I was able to give out a couple blessings bags to those leaving and gave out many cards to those passing by. Most people were friendly. A few stopped to talk.
Sadly the one girl who exited at the end seemed to be in pain. When I asked her about it she said she’s ok that this happens all the time! The guy gave her something to smoke which she said would help the pain. At first she rejected my handouts and offer to help but then did take a green card, looked at it, and said that it may help. Lord knows she needs it. Have mercy and open the eyes of the hearts of all those involved with the slaughter of the innocent babies.
Fr Jim, Eva, Diane, and Carolyn prayed 2 rosaries and a divine mercy. I had Christian music playing in my pocket on the other side.
Pete arrived nice and early. We packed up some things before it rained for the next shift.
Pete & Bill
(From Pete)There was a heavy drizzle/light rain for most of our shift, so we needed the umbrellas. I prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet along with all the mysteries of the Rosary with the exception of the Glorious. Bill faithfully witnessed to passers-by including a young woman with whom he had about a 10 minute discussion. She stated the baby was part of the mother, but Bill advised that the baby is a unique human being, and he also advised her to watch The Silent Scream by Dr Bernard Nathanson. She seemed to be genuinely seeking. Let us pray that she finds the truth and will become a witness for the unborn and their moms. –
Yes, tears from heaven today for sure. So sad that the horrible place had so many visitors today. Our prayers are the only thing that keep the numbers from being more. Still so sad. Thank you to all who kept warm hearts in that cold, cold place.