Dear Friends,

In August, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration, the occasion when Jesus goes up on to the summit of Mount Tabor and his true identity is revealed to his closest disciples, Peter, James and John. Also present on that occasion were Moses and Elijah, who represent the Jewish Law and the prophets. Jesus is seen as the fulfilment of both. He is the long-promised Messiah, the Saviour of God’s people. This is confirmed by the voice of God that speaks from the cloud that then envelops them, just as it did at Jesus’ baptism.  This time God says, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to him.” 

And that is what God also wants us do. He wants us to listen to Jesus too. For it is only by listening to his voice that we are able to reflect on how we live out our lives and know what his will for our lives actually is. The August Holiday Season gives us all an excellent opportunity to do so.

When we go away on holiday, we all have a chance to recharge our batteries in different surroundings. We don’t have to worry about any of life’s stresses. Instead, we can just relax, sit out in the sun and let life pass us by.

Jesus used to do a similar thing and given us an example to follow. Often he would go up into the hills of Northern Galilee, to be on his own with God and to take time out from his ministry. There, he was able to reflect on what he had done and what he was going to do next. He also took time out to pray, the means by which his relationship with his Father was strengthened and sustained, just as our can be too..

God bless, 

Andrew