I feel somewhat delinquent that this is the first post since Lent began…mea culpa!
Today's gospel speaks of the transfiguration of Jesus. I must admit that i don't consciously think of the transfiguration except at this  time of year. So, I began to ponder what it means for me to tap into this. I think of transfiguration as meaning change.
One of the songs sung today says "Transfigure us, O Lord…break the chains that bind us.." Powerful words…break the chains. 
While we aren't walking around wrapped in chains, we all have things that hold us back, making change more difficult. How do we alter that? Do we get rid of a bad habit that has been nagging us, keeping us from being the best version of ourselves?
Do we need to set aside a few minutes each day to pray, meditate, journal, listen to the spirit within us? 
Wherever these next 40 days leads you….I wish you peace and joy.

It hardly seems possible that Jack is turning 14 years old tomorrow!!!! I still remember seeing that little red head enter the world. And as his grandmother, so much joy came with him. Jack, your are such a talented, spirited young man with a loving heart. You are well on your way to  becoming an Eagle Scout….not an easy process by any means. It takes years of preparation and dedication (the parents, of course, need to be encouraging and supportive).  So, Jack, we want you to have the best birthday ever and to know you are always loved. And remember….we're glad you were born!!!!!! Can't wait to see where this path leads you.
​Love you to the moon and back. 

I've never been a fan of sarcasm. While sometimes it's humorous (and yes, I've used it in that context ) there are other times when it is  positively cruel…crueler yet when it is done by a loved one intentionally. It makes the recipient feel as if they're being made fun of, mocked, put down, stupid. Add to that the pain for a parent when it is an adult child who's performing it. One wonders where the cruelty comes from and when did that child change from the loving person the parent knew to mean spirited, vengeful. Then add an attitude lacking respect for the parent (family)….how does it happen? Better yet, why? 
This life is filled with questions that have no answers….suffering that doesn't have to be. As my friend weeps as to the treatment she receives, the mockery of it, I have no words of comfort….I can only be "present." Maybe that will ease some of the heartache. And I want to say to that child when she and her spouse are gone….."are you happy that you caused such heartache for so many years….apparently unconditional love isn't part of you. You put on a happy face to those around you, all the while maintaining your  inner hatred for the people who  loved you unconditionally, regardless of what you ever said or did to your family. Are you proud of the person you've become, with the facade you share with the world? What happened to the you that is buried somewhere within you? WHY would you allow another to change you? When they're gone it's too late, but then, you will be "free" of them, won't you? You were once a decent,  kind person. How do you feel now, knowing she died after years of being bullied by your cruelty and sarcasm? Lastly, somewhere deep within you lies the compassionate, decent, loving person you were born as. How will you live with that person when it resurfaces? After all, the real people we are will always be there, albeit buried."
Each of us knows someone like this…..hopefully our example will help them to curtail the cruel sarcasm and take a look at their real self.