On the mount of the Transfiguration, Peter, James and John were given an extraordinary and unforgettable experience on which they were meant to rely when it later seemed that all that Jesus had been for them was being demolished and obliterated before their very eyes, writes Christian Brother Julian McDonald.. They were given a parachute of living hope, an assurance that God’s beloved Son, the one to whom they were urged to listen, and his followers would never be abandoned. Today’s readings is a reminder to get busy packing parachutes and blessing those who have packed ours.

The world in which we live rewards us for what we achieve, how we perform in public, how successful we are in our careers, how wealthy we are. Yet, whatever our status, whatever we produce or whatever we earn, we know that we can be driven by our urges for power, independence, status and possessions. Lent is a time to look into the mirror of our lives, to decide whether we are choosing what our world rewards or what God asks of us, writes Br Julian McDonald CFC.

The life God has given us is too short and too precious to waste on anything less than love and forgiveness. True, there will always be in our lives people who have little appeal to us, people we can’t stand, those we would rather ignore. But to convince ourselves that we can do nothing to bridge the gap between us just won’t wash as far as Jesus is concerned. And there are better things to do than to waste time and energy on hating, writes Christian Brother Julian McDonald.

Life is not meant to be lived according to some absolute, clearly articulated formula. It is an adventure inspired and guided by the Spirit of God planted deep in our hearts. Living in tune with God’s Spirit means getting beyond obsession with legal details to living lives inspired by love, selflessness, care and compassion - qualities that give meaning to all laws built on justice. Living by faith is a risky business. It means trusting God, writes Christian Brother Julian McDonald.

The Presentation of the Lord gives us examples of how to be patient, never losing hope and accepting God’s will. May this feast teach us these lessons and praise God for giving us Jesus as our Saviour and Redeemer, writes Divine Word Missionary priest, Fr Elmer Ibarra SVD.