SATURDAY, June 12 (Enmegahbowh)

Matthew 17:1-13. Lord, it is good for us to be here...I will make three dwellings.

When we enjoy a good experience, we often try to prolong it or to repeat it. With religious experience we may try to stay on a spiritual high by having progressively more intense experiences. If we do so we become religious "addicts" on an ego trip rather than on the path of being open to God's direction.

In the gospel lesson, Peter tries to do just that. He wants to stay on the mountain where they had seen Jesus transfigured. Jesus led them off the mountain to go on his journey toward Jerusalem and the events which were to happen there.

Spiritual highs are a delight when they happen, much as a sunny day when we are not expecting it. But to focus on them distracts from getting on with our journey. It would be like staying at a party too long in the hope that something more might happen.

There is a time to stay, and a time to go and get on with something else. (1990)

Reflect: Is there anything in your life which you are holding on to "past the point"?

PRAY for the Diocese of Eastern Kowloon (Hong Kong)

Ps 75, 76 * 23, 27; Numbers 3:1-13; Galatians 6:11-18

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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Coming Down

Jun 12, 2010 at 7:38 am

Written by Stephen,

This meditation calls for balance. Although the experiences I have had in the heavenly vision are important, they were deeply personal and different from others experiences. The corporate ones were important also, but open to interpretation. In the Bible it seems Jesus mountain top experiences are usually followed with stern warnings and even confrontations. The writer is correct in saying that we should not make religious or spiritual experiences the main goal, but take them for what they can do to change our direction for the better.

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Jun 12, 2010 at 9:52 am

Written by Barbara Summers,

How true! Several years ago, I went through a charismatic period during which I began to look forward to spiritual "highs" rather than striving for inner spiritual growth.

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Loves purpose

Jun 12, 2010 at 12:16 pm

Written by Gaye Anne McWade,

Heaven is revealed because love unites. God's willingness to share sacred moments is not in our control but ours to enjoy, embracing them as we walk trustingly together in faith. Steady yearning to be in God's presence is a good thing!

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Jun 12, 2010 at 1:52 pm

Written by Philip M. McGhee,

It is more important to look for the God of consolations,rather than the consolations of God.

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Well I feel enlightened ^ _____ ^

Jun 12, 2010 at 5:56 pm

Written by Thane,

These comments are inspiring Do any of you also have bible.org accounts?

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