9781644135945

The Light of the World
self-love, and to ascend the mountain of the transfiguration. “Remember, O Lord, . . . Thy
mercies that are from the beginning of the world. . . . Deliver us, O God of Israel, from all
our tribulations” (Introit). Deliver us from the slavery of all that is sinful, worldly, and
unjust. “Harken to the voice of my prayer, for to Thee will I pray, O Lord” (Communion).
Transform my soul through Holy Communion, that it may be purified from all uncleanness
and may be transfigured by sanctifying grace, by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, by virtue,
and by good works.
Today we see Christ transfigured again on the Tabor of our altars. His face shines like
the sun. His garments are white as snow. Reverently we prostrate ourselves with Peter,
James, and John, and adore Him. Christ comes to us in Holy Communion; He touches
us and says to us, “Arise, and fear not.” We should be strengthened by this assurance of the
Master and go forth bravely to meet the trials and tribulations of our daily life. Supported
by His strength, we are prepared to meet the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the
devil. Holy Communion gives us the strength to walk as we were taught to walk, that we
may please God and sanctify our souls. The inner purity which Holy Communion produces
in us shines in our faces and makes known to the world the transfiguration that has taken
place in us.
Our Holy Mother the Church, however, is grieved at the sight of so many of her children
who do not walk as they were taught to walk, who are not pleasing to God, who do not keep
themselves clean, but give themselves up to impurity and lust. They are like the Gentiles who
know not God. They were invited and were given the grace to walk with Christ in the splendor
of Mount Tabor, in purity, in holiness, and in a transfigured life. But instead they have given
themselves up to sensuality and uncleanness. Their lives are a source of great sadness to the
Church. “The troubles of my heart are multiplied,” she prays to the Lord. “Deliver me from my
necessities, O Lord. See my abjection and my labor, and forgive me all my sins” (Gradual). See
my sorrow and grief over my many straying children. In the Mass we cry out, “Forgive us our
trespasses, . . . and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” the evils of sensuality,
sin, and eternal death.
Prayer
O God, who seest that we are wholly without strength in ourselves, keep us both within and
without; that we may be protected in body from all adversity, and cleansed in mind from every
evil thought. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Monday
Today for the first time the theme of Christ’s passion enters the lenten Masses. Christ is persecuted
by the Jews. We take an active part in this persecution which reached its climax in the
crucifixion; but it continues in His mystical body, the Church; and only on the last day will it
finally be overcome, and Christ and His Church will be triumphant.
In the Epistle, Daniel represents Christ. Our Savior has taken upon Himself the sins of the world.
By His suffering He expiated them, and on the cross His blood pleaded for forgiveness for His
brethren. “O Lord, our God, who hast brought forth Thy people out of the land of Egypt, with a
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