Living This Week’s Gospel: 

Matthew 17:1–9

Last Sunday, we reflected on the Transfiguration-when three disciples see Jesus in his future, resurrected form and come to understand his place in salvation history! It’s appropriate that this event takes place on a mountain summit, a place where we can see clearly for miles, looking down at the roads below and seeing where they lead.

This kind of clear vision is what we pray for as we see the many challenges of poverty in our world. Even as we watch the news, we ask, “Lord, what role must I play in ending the violence and suffering of this world? How am I positioned to help my brothers and sisters who are so far away, and so far removed from my own life?”

Perhaps we are called to work in communities like those of Michael’s in Kenya or Yuvi’s in Guatemala; maybe we are to give of our skills and treasure. Certainly, we are all called to pray. As we prepare for Mass this week, let us remain open to seeing how God wants us to serve in even the smallest ways; we ask him to show us the role we have to play in the global human family.