March 16. Sunday Lent 2C.   Transfiguration.  As he was praying the appearance of his countenance was altered. Fr Sylvester wondered if South Africans live with fear more than other peoples. “Security is one of the biggest industries in the country. He explained to the congregation that the Transfiguration story of Jesus being seen in a new glorious way was giving courage to the disciples. It is always read during Lent because Jesus wanted to prepare his apostles for the time when he would be handed over to his enemies, suffer and be put to death. We all have fears and anxieties that we can bring and share with Jesus knowing that we can put our trust in him. I invite you to reflect on this issue of fear and courage and share with one another in your families.”   

Reflect, share and act. Scripture:  Jesus took Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.  As he was praying the appearance of his countenance was altered and his clothing became dazzling white.  Moses and Elijah,  talked with him about his exodus. Peter said to Jesus, “Master it is well that we are here.” A cloud came and overshadowed them and they were afraid. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen, listen to him!” Luke 9:28-36.   Pope Francis: Our contemplations of the fulfilment yet to come allows us to put the historical journey we make as families in perspective. In this way we stop demanding of our interpersonal relationships a perfection which we will only encounter in the Kingdom to come. AL 325.  Vatican News 17 February. In an interview with Italian newspaper the Vatican Secretary of State reiterates the urgent need for a multilateral ‘diplomacy of hope’. ’ Echoing Pope Francis’ and Pope St. John Paul II words Cardinal Parolin emphasized that peace requires courage, justice, and forgiveness, three values that seem increasingly absent in modern society. “Today the courage to negotiate is often mistaken for weakness, while military power and demonstrations of force continue to be privileged as conflict resolution tools.  “Only when courage, justice, and forgiveness are once again lived as fundamental values, will it be possible to embark on a genuine path to peace.”  Choose an act of love and sacrifice from the list, also published at www.marfam.org.za/. Spend an hour in family faith sharing. If possible use STATIONS OF THE CROSS FOR FAMILIES