Thursday, August 06, 2009

Feast of the Transfiguration

It was three years ago on this day that we landed in Vienna exhausted, scared, and excited. This Feast always has had a place in my heart since arriving in Austria. The icon of the Transfiguration is one of my favorites.

Wall_sized_Icon_of_Transfiguration_painted_by_ITI_Priest This particular icon takes up an entire wall. Father Thomas Labanic (a graduate of the ITI) wrote it.

It captures my heart in that it shows the two aspects of my spiritual life and ministry that I am most grateful for, viz., that Elijah (on the left of Jesus) is standing on Mt. Carmel and Moses is standing on Mt. Sinai with the Torah. I love the Carmelite Order and its spirituality. St. Teresa of Jesus and St. Therese of the Child Jesus are particular spiritual mentors of mine. I make every effort to root my life in silence and contemplation.

In addition, I love the Scriptures (here signified by the Torah, the Law). It is such an honor and pleasure to study God’s word – to hear the voice of the Shepherd calling to me in the Holy Writ.

It is in the study of the Sacred Scriptures within the context of a life of contemplative prayer that Christ Jesus in his glory becomes manifest and known to me.

I hope and pray that God gives me the grace and the gifts to share these two aspects of my spiritual life with others…

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike, I just found out by listening to your podcast that you study at the ITI. I am going to start studying in October and are really excited to meet you soon. I am though a bit scared to be among bright heads and of possible failing. I hope to talk to you soon, God bless from Lukas

Michael Lee said...

Lukas,
Great news! I look forward to meeting you in October at Trumau. You will really like the ITI. There are many brilliant professors and students studying there. I am sure you will do well.

Are beginning the STM or MTS? I will be beginning the STL. I look forward to getting back...

Until October then...

Ohio Faith Formation Director said...

Hi Mike,
Thanks for sharing your visit to Ars. As this is the "Year for Priests", I found your blog while preparing to teach a Family Program on the topic - GREAT RESOURCE! Thanks,
Margaret in Ohio

Michael Lee said...

Thanks, Margaret Ann. I appreciate the kind words.