Reflection for the Week of 08/06/06:
"We Possess the Prophetic Message that is
Altogether Reliable"


By Sr. Reginia Siegfried, ACS

Listen carefully to all three readings for the feast of the Transfiguration. The selections from Daniel and Mark sparkle with visions of change, transformation, and dazzling colors. The passage from the second letter of Peter verifies his awareness that the power of the risen Christ can change us all and give us "the prophetic message that is altogether reliable." He was an eye-witness to the transfiguration.
So where does that leave us, stranded in the 21st century, not privy to the radiance of Daniel's kaleidoscope of thrones, flames, colors, and the Son of Man. Neither are we blinded by the whiteness of the garments that the disciples saw Jesus wearing. What scraps of grace can we collect when we come down from a mountain? What transforming experience of light, beauty, and affirmation changes us forever?
Because we have been baptized into the risen Christ, because we live in the Spirit who urges us to works of justice, mercy, and peace, we are witnesses to our own transfiguration as individuals and as a worshipping community that is the Body of Christ. The Transfiguration narrative promises the followers of Jesus that His shining presence walks with us on our own journey into justice, love, and peace. We do, indeed, "possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable."
Part of that change, transfiguration, and transformation for us as the worshipping community of St. Vincent's can be the slowly burgeoning justice initiative. Our town hall in May meeting affirmed the seed; we now nourish it so that we can be revitalized as a parish already committed to the spirit of St. Vincent. The next step of the initiative involves the formation of the steering committee and advisory board. Herb Hahn, Carolyn Hubler, Nelson Perez and Marsha Wilson volunteered for the steering committee and have met to begin to contact other people in the area who are committed to justice. They will explore options and resources available to us. The advisory board which will guide and focus the formation of the justice initiative is in the process of being formed. Sheila Burton, Mary Koenig and Sister Regina Siegfried, ASC work with both groups. Things are happening as a result of the town hall meeting. Transformation is in process. Commitment to justice and to prayer can transfigure us if we open our hearts.

Ponder:
*What "prophetic message" is my piece of the broader truth?
*How can we as individuals and as a parish community let ourselves share in the transfiguration?

Do:
*Continue to learn about new justice issues.

Parish Mission Statement

We, the people of St. Vincent's Parish in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Missouri, are committed to following Christ, evangelizer of the poor. We do this through:
- Worship and continued spiritual formation for both laity and clergy
- Serving the poor and oppressed
- Preaching the Gospel by word and action in an ecumenical spirit