Each year on the Second Sunday of Lent, the Gospel is about the Transfiguration of Jesus. Today, we listen to Saint Matthew’s version. Jesus climbs a high mountain on which He is transfigured in front of His closest disciples. When Peter witnesses the Transfiguration of Jesus, and the appearances of Moses and Elijah, his first instinct is to “freeze the moment,” by providing tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. However, that encounter, like any encounter with God’s majesty and providence, is not meant to be frozen or hidden in a tent. It is meant to move us forward in, and to act upon, our faith.

Saturday, March 14, 2020 9 am - 3 pm ************************************* Pre-Registration Fee (now till March 8th) ….$30.00 Registration begins on site March 14th @ 8:30 - 9:00 …$35.00 INCLUDES LUNCH

Every year on the First Sunday of Lent, the focus is on temptation. Adam and Eve are tempted by the serpent in the garden of Eden. Jesus is tempted in the desert by the devil. Though temptations in our life may not be as dramatic as those in Genesis or the Gospels, they may be just as powerful. As we journey together this Lenten season let us pray to God for strength to resist temptation and ask for mercy when we fall.

As we continue from the Sermon on the Mount from Saint Matthew’s Gospel, today, Jesus challenges us to turn the other cheek and to love our enemies. We know that is not our initial instinct—to love our enemies; instead, we would rather take revenge on our enemies. We get angry, we get upset, and we want to do or say something to express that pain and rage. As we approach the season of Lent, let the example of Jesus inspire us to respond to hurt and conflict with mercy and forgiveness.

Over the next two weeks we will hear an extended passage from Saint Matthew’s Gospel in which Jesus reinterprets the law for His disciples. He challenges His disciples to take it one step further, to do more than just follow the letter of the law. Jesus’ teachings are not primarily about the joys and easiness of the Christian life, but rather about the commandments that our loving Father gives to us for our freedom and good.

Today is World Marriage Day. It is in conjunction with National Marriage Week which runs from February 7th through February 14th. World Marriage Week is an annual campaign to promote the benefits of marriage and it’s happening in more than twenty countries around the world. National Marriage Week started in the United Kingdom (UK) and has spread to other countries.

Catholic Schools Week concludes here at St. Peter with the annual St. Peter School Alumni Mass and Gumbo. I am always impressed how many alumni of St. Peter School turn out to celebrate the Mass and eat a delicious bowl of Gumbo. It is a good way to reconnect with classmates, friends, and other alumni.

Today, we begin the annual observance of National Catholic Schools Week. As a parish, we recognize the value of Catholic education. St. Peter School has been educating the youth of the River Parish area for ninety (90) years. The theme for Catholic Schools Week is “Catholic Schools: Learn, Lead, and Succeed.” The official CSW logo brings the theme to life. The open book made up of multi-colored pages symbolizes how all areas of Catholic Schools blend together, with faith—symbolized by the cross—at the forefront. Catholic schools are vibrant, dynamic, and excellent.

The Church began the first season of Ordinary Time last Monday. It will continue until Mardi Gras Day, February 25th . “Since the liturgical reform, the longest part of the liturgical year is called “Ordinary Time.” It is the thirty-three or thirty-four weeks in which no particular aspect of the mystery of Christ is celebrated, but rather the mystery of Christ itself is honored in its fullness, especially on Sundays.” [Universal Norms, # 43]

The Christmas-Epiphany season concludes today with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Before Jesus began preaching, teaching, and healing, He came to John to be baptized. Jesus was not baptized because He was sinful, but to signify His union with sinful humanity. The Spirit of God descended upon Jesus and God’s voice called out, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” As Christians baptized with the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to carry on Jesus’ mission.

Happy New Year and Happy Epiphany! For some, all the Christmas decorations are packed away for another year. The Church continues to celebrate Christmas with the Feast of the Epiphany. The Christmas season actually concludes with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on January 12 th .