Devotion - Monday, February 27

The purpose of yesterday's liturgy was to prepare us for the events of Lent.  Yesterday we read the story of Jesus' transfiguration.  He goes on a mountain top and his appearance is altered before Peter and James and John.  A voice from the heavens says, "This is my beloved son, listen to him."

It is important that we hear that message before we enter the season of Lent.  It is essential that we not lose heart as the events in Jerusalem start to unfold.

Jesus isn't going to seem like anyone's beloved when he gets to the city of God's people.  Jesus isn't going to be easy to hear above the roar of the crowd and the decrees of all persons in power.  

Jesus' peaceful and passive nature make him a target and one easily defeated.  It was difficult for even his closest followers to stand by him and continue to speak of the message he preached.

We need courage, in our time, to trust in the words and way of Jesus.  The events unfolding in the world around us make it tempting to reject the words of Jesus and the way of Jesus.  Yesterday's liturgy was wonderfully placed.