Transfigured

Every week I meet with a group of 7 freshman women to pray, reflect, discuss, and ponder the movement of our lives as we collectively listen to the ways in which God uses each of us to lead one other. This week we uses the following as our opening prayer.

Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Marianne Williamson, co-leader of the USA Department of Peace movement 
(quote often wrongly attributed to Nelson Mandela)

Without realizing it I believe that this poem ties in with this Sunday's Gospel on the  transfiguration of the Lord. Lent is a time of transfiguration. During this time of lent we are invited to turn from darkness and walk in the light. We are reminded that "we were born to make manifest the glory of God within us," and our lenten promises strengthen us to live out this truth. This morning as I read the intercessions below I prayed to be transformed. I prayed to have the strength to let my light shine. I prayed for God to work through me, to use me to do God's work here on earth. I pray that we are all strengthen in our relationships with God and one another during this time of lent.

 Many blessings, Heidi 

INTERCESSIONS

To the transfigured Lord, we pray:  

R//: Lord, renew us in your image.

Transform us by our lenten observance - that we may become visible signs of your kingdom. R//

Deepen us in prayer by our lenten observance - that we may dwell with you in faith and love. R//

Strengthen us in charity by our lenten observance - that we may burn with your love before all the world. R//