Last Sunday’s Gospel told the story of the Transfiguration. This was a striking intervention by God in the lives of three of the disciples to show them who Jesus really was in order to strengthen them in their faith before he entered into his Passion and death on the cross.

Jesus took with him his three closest disciples Peter, James and John to a high Mountain and in their presence he was transfigured. When he was transfigured before them, his face shone like the Sun and his garments became white as snow. Moses the greatest law -giver and Elijah the greatest prophet of Israel come to the side of Jesus and talked to him about his passion and death. Their presence and their talking with Jesus indicated their total endorsement of all that Jesus was doing and also of all that he would experience in the days to come. For Jesus this was a special moment. He was now close to Jerusalem and hence close to his passion and death by crucifixion. This was the important moment when he had to strengthen his disciples particularly the ones who had been chosen to be close to him during his ministry. Jesus wanted who he was to be revealed to them. God told them that Jesus was his Beloved Son in whom he was well pleased and that they ought to listen to him. These were the same words used at Jordan during his Baptism as he began his ministry.

Jesus then spoke to the disciples in a gentle reassuring voice.  Jesus was alone. From now on the disciples would only see only Jesus, but, after that experience, they knew that he was not alone, that he had the full backing of his Father and of the Jewish tradition of the Law and the Prophets. Who he really was and his mission were revealed.

Today, if we choose to listen God still speaks to us and tells us that Jesus is his beloved son and that we ought to listen to him, For the disciples unknown to them the glory of Jesus’ transfiguration was preparing them for what was to come. They would understand this only later with the resurrection. Today let us look beyond the pain of life and see the presence of God in our world, and the gift of life that God makes to each of us. We ask God for faith in order to trust and follow God’s will. We know not why things happen until we take the time for reflection afterwards, even then it is not always clear.

Dear Lord,

Speak to me and guide me through hard times.

In troubling times, I am filled with fear.

I reach out my hand to you,

And ask you to walk beside me as your Father, Moses and Elijah were there with you.

When I cannot carry all of my burdens, please walk beside me.

Please help me hold on strong, through the trials and storms.

Help me hold on to my faith when in doubt.

Stay with me Lord, and show me your will so I too am enlightened like the disciples and understand your will for me.

Amen.

LA Congress
We wish Mrs West safe travels as she joins other members of the Southern Highlands, including Father Sean in attending the Religious Education Congress in LA.

Week of Celebrations
This week is a big week of celebration for our school comminuity. St.Patrick’s Day was celebrated with a “Green Day” fundraiser for Maubara orphanage and activities. $243.05 was raised from the "Green Day" for Maubara.  Thank you.

Yesterday was Father Sean’s birthday.  Today is St.Joseph’s day which we will be celebrating with a special liturgy this year as Father Sean is not available for a Mass; and Harmony Day on Thursday with special canteen orders, an orange “tinge” to the uniform, classroom activities and a special prayer at assembly on Friday.

Uniform Survey
We are in the process of finalising the style for the girls' summer uniform and would like your opinion on the piping and colour of the tab.  The uniform will look like the one pictured with a zippered pocket.  Please click on the survey link below to nominate your preference. I apologise for the quality of the picture, as I was unable to find exact pictures of our proposals and had to do my best to modify what I could find.  Please respond by Friday 29th March.  A paper copy of the survey is available from the school office if required.

Have a lovely week everyone,
Kayleen Petzer