Call to Prayer Reflection Franciscan tradition takes the idea expressed by the word transformation, but uses the word transfiguration. What is the difference? In Franciscan transfiguration one thing does not change into another, a person s character is not substituted by another, but the same thing remains and is assumed into something greater, richer. That is to say, St. Francis character was what it was, but Christ assumed it and because of that it was transfigured evangelically. That is, Francis character was assumed by one greater, richer: that of Jesus. (Friar Johannes Freyer, ofm Talk at General Chapter, Sept. 23, 2008) Leader All Leader All Song : Let us love and adore God. : with a pure heart and a pure mind. : My soul waits for God; in your word I hope. : For with you there is steadfast love. : Song of the Transfiguration (David Haas, Echo of Faith) Transform us as you, transfigured, stood apart at Tabor s height, lead us up our sacred mountains, search us with revealing light. Lift us from where we have fallen, full of questions, filled with fright. 1
Transform us as you, transfigured, once spoke with those holy ones. We, surrounded by the witness of those saints whose work is done, live in this world as your Body, chosen daughters, chosen sons. Transform us as you, transfigured, would not stay within a shrine. Keep us from our great temptation - time and truth we quickly bind. Lead us down those daily pathways where our love is not confined. Antiphon 1: Jesus took Peter, James and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves, and he was transfigured before them. Psalm 27:1-6 O God, you are my light and my help; whom shall I fear? You are the stronghold of my life; before whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me uttering slanders against me, it is they, my enemies and foes, who shall stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me my heart shall not fear. Though war break out against me yet I will trust. 2
One thing I have asked of you, for this will I seek, that I may dwell in your holy house all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of your countenance and the holiness of your temple. In your shelter you will hide me in the day of trouble; you will conceal me under the cover of your tent, you will set me high upon a rock. And now my heart shall be raised above my foes who surround me; and I will offer in your tent sacrifices with songs of joy. I will sing and make music to my God. Glory Antiphon 2: Master, it is good that we are here. Psalm 27:7-14 Hear my voice when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and give answer! You say to me: Seek my face, Seek the face of your God. Your face, O God, I do seek. Hide not your face from me. Do not dismiss me in anger; you have been my help. Do not cast me off or forsake me, O God, my help! Though father and mother forsake me, You, O God, will receive me. 3
Teach me your way, O God; lead me on a level path. Give me not up to the will of evildoers; who bear false witness and breathe out violence. I believe I shall see your goodness in the land of the living. Hope in God, be strong and take heart. Hope in God, the Most High! Glory Reading: Mark 9: 9-10 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them to tell no one what they had seen until the Chosen One of God had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. Pause Canticle of Mary: The Magnificat: Glorify the Lord (Liam Lawton: Ancient Ways, Future Days) Antiphon: This is my chosen One, listen to him. My soul glorifies the Lord my God, My spirit sings in God who is my Savior. In favor God has looked upon this lowly one. Every age shall call me blessed. I will glorify the Lord. I will glorify the Lord. Glorify, glorify, Glorify the Lord. 4
The Almighty One for me has done great things And holy, holy is God s name. Mercy thus is shown where God s fear is known For all time in every generation. I will glorify The Lord has shown his strength And scattered thus the proud, Cast the mighty from their thrones. The hungry he has filled, the fearful hearts has stilled, Sends the rich and wealthy ones away. He has come to heal and help you, Israel, Remembering a promise told of old, A promise that was made to our people as they prayed Abraham.His children evermore. I will glorify Intercessions O God, the whole world was changed and raised up by the coming of your son; let us never take his life or gospel for granted. You give us the power to be light or darkness for one another on the way to salvation; show us how to transform the stumbling blocks in our lives to ladders of grace for ourselves and for others. your intercessions 5
Our Father Prayer O God, you bid us look into the depth of our hearts and find your presence there. Give us faith, hope, and love, that we may seek your truth and open ourselves to your holy and true will. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen. (Franciscan Morning and Evening Prayer) Blessing May all the holy virtues, which are poured into the hearts of the faithful through the grace and enlightenment of the Holy Spirit make us faithful to God. (Franciscan Morning and Evening Prayer) 6