St. Francis of Assisi Weekly Reflections

Carpe Diem! (Seize the day!) was a Latin saying I learned in high school. It called us to be open to the opportunities life brings—for doing good, for making the world a better place, for enjoying the day's blessings. Moses heard a voice from a burning bush telling him to go down to Egypt. He was given a brief introduction to God and a call to help free the Hebrew slaves. Moses seized the day, obeying the call to act, now. Jesus calls on his fellow Jews to seize the day by repenting. Life is short. People die tragically, unexpectedly. Look to your own life, Jesus tells them. God has given you these days, so bear fruit, now. Paul calls on the Corinthians to seize the day. Not just our actions but even our desires can mislead us. So don't be complacent. Take care, now. Baptism lays a foundation, but we have to build on it. Baptism gives us the Spirit and the virtues of faith, hope, and love. We renew our baptismal promises in a few weeks. Act now; seize this day to grow closer to God.

What opportunity does this day offer to you?

Every so often life gives you a glimpse of glory—the beauty in a sunset, goodness in a person, truth in words spoken, peace and well-being in a friendship. Sometimes it comes suddenly; other times it's been there but you haven't been paying attention. Still, it is real. This happened to Peter, James, and John. Jesus often went off to pray, to be in the presence of his Father. On this particular occasion, while praying, his glory shone through and his disciples saw it. They also saw Moses and Elijah, speaking with him about his coming death, his passing over into full glory. Jesus will go on to speak to his disciples about his coming suffering and death. But for now, they are given a glimpse of the glory awaiting them at the end of the road. We too need a reminder of our destiny, that "our citizenship is in heaven" (Philippians 3:20). Our Savior has promised he will come and "change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body" (3:21). For now, hear the Father's words: "This is my chosen Son; listen to him" (Luke 9:35). Our ultimate glory may depend on it.

Do you think of yourself as destined for glory?

Food, fortune, fame—the temptations sound like categories from TV's Jeopardy. "Feed yourself, you're starving," Satan said. After forty days of daytime heat and nighttime cold, Jesus could not have had much energy. But it wasn't physical strength that was needed; it was strength of spirit. Jesus was not lacking that. The Spirit had come upon him at his baptism, had driven him into the wilderness, and did not abandon him now. First temptation: Use your power to feed yourself. Jesus' answer: God's word is my food. There I find strength. Second temptation: Bend the knee to me in exchange for all the kingdoms of the world. Jesus' answer: Only God deserves worship; the only kingdom worth having is God's. Third temptation: See if God is with you by throwing yourself off the temple. Jesus' answer: You don't test God; you trust God. As Israel was tested in the desert, tempted to turn from God who delivered them from Egypt, so Jesus is tested. But Jesus, the new Israel, the beloved Son, trusts his Father. That Spirit who was with Jesus during his testing is with us today.

Where do you place your trust?

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10). Being in the presence of God is not always a comfortable experience. Today's readings tell us it makes us aware of our sinfulness. Isaiah has a vision of God on "a high and lofty throne," surrounded by angels, smoke swirling up, and cries out, "Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:1, 5). When Jesus points out where the fish are to be found, Peter responds, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man" (Luke 5:8). Even Paul, remembering how Jesus appeared to him, writes that he himself is "not fit to be called an apostle" (1 Corinthians 15:9). Do we live in a time when people are more awestruck by rock/movie/TV stars, sports figures and political leaders than by the living God who created, redeemed, and continues to sanctify ("to make holy") us? Many times we hear the words "Do not be afraid" in scripture. But perhaps fear is like cholesterol; there is a healthy and an unhealthy version. One can lead to paralysis before God, the other to joining confidently in God's work.

How does fear play a part in your life? Is it paralyzing or does it have a positive effect on your actions?