Our Journey in the Shadows

Pope Benedict XVI stated that our journey of faith "progresses more in the shadows than in full light." But, as yesterday's Gospel illustrates, we too shall one day see the glory of Christ's light. And on that day, Christ's light shall be the only light in the world that matters.

Catholic World News has a good article for our Lenten journey:

Commenting on the day's Gospel reading, which recounted the story of the Transfiguration, the Pope observed that no one can "live on Mt. Tabor," seeing Jesus in his full glory, in the course of ordinary life. The daily pilgrimage of faith is a more mundane affair, he said; it requires courage and perseverance during times of "obscurity or even of complete blackness.

There are rare occasions, the Pope said, when God provides a special insight to believers "especially prior to severe trials." These experiences, similar to those experienced by the apostles on Mt. Tabor, are "a foretaste of what will be the joy of heaven," he said.

However, the more typical experience of faith is guided by an "inner light" rather than such extraordinary experiences, the Pontiff continued. He recommended that the faithful follow the example of the Virgin Mary by meditating on the Scriptures and by trying to find God's messages "in the events of our own lives, seeking to read therein the messages of Providence."

During the season of Lent, the Pope encouraged the faithful to "the greatest attention" to the "the mysterious voice of the Lord." He told his audience that the annual Lenten Retreat at the Vatican, concluded the previous day, had given him and other leading Vatican officials a week "completely dedicated to listening to the Lord, who always speaks to us."