This morning I noticed an early sign of Spring to come.  The daffodils in my garden are in full bloom!  Their happy yellow heads shine out in the garden where the Crepe Myrtle and Japanese Maple stand bare, with only early signs of new life.  The promise of things to come.

August gives us two feasts in the coming weeks, that also talk of the promise of things to come.  Sunday, 6 August we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration and the following week, Tuesday, 15 August we celebrate the feast of the Assumption.  Both feasts celebrate the transformation brought about by the God of life.  They are both feasts that point to the resurrection.  For Christians, the resurrection is the constant reminder that the love of God is unstoppable.  Not even death can hold back God’s outpouring of love to humanity.  When all seems lost and finished, the God of life is not!

The Feast of the Transfiguration presents us with the account of the disciples, Peter, James and John, witnessing the glory of Jesus as he appeared before them in brilliant white clothes, enfolded in the cloud of the Father’s presence.  ‘Listen to him’ are the only words that are spoken.  The disciples will continue their journey with Jesus and, as we know, will see him face rejection and ultimately death.  The event of the transfiguration already prepares them for the hope of the resurrection that will greet them on Easter morning.

The Feast of the Assumption is the Churches affirmation that all will follow where Mary, the first disciple has gone.  She is the first to join her son in the fullness of the life of the resurrection.

What are we to do in the meantime?  Lucky for us, in Australia we have a third feast day between the Transfiguration and the Assumption!  On Tuesday, 8 August we celebrate the Solemnity of St Mary of the Cross.  St Mary gives us a clue as to what to do as we await the fullness of the resurrection.  St Mary must have had before her eyes the vision of the resurrection as well.  She faced opposition and rejection in her life as well but what was not held back by these.  Mary always had her eyes fixed on the Gospel call to life.  She provided hope and life for thousands of young people who found their way into her care or that of her Sisters of St Joseph.

As we await the promise of things to come we could perhaps heed her words: “Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them bravely, remembering whom you are trying to follow.  Do not be afraid.  Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you all your life”.

St Mary of the Cross
Pray for us

By Fr Brendan Reed