Tag Archive for: Miracles

Transfigured Reaction

Armodoxy for Today: Transfigured Reaction

Part 2 of the Transfiguration Story

The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ as recorded in the gospels, (Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, and Luke 9:28–36) tells how three Disciple, Peter, John and James, witnessed a glimmer of the Divine Light. Jesus was transfigured,  “…His Face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.” (Luke 9:29) Two historical figures – Moses and Elijah, the symbols of the law and the prophets – appear “in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus.” A voice from above is heard “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.”

Peter turns to Jesus and says on behalf of his disciple-brothers, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. I will put up three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

Certainly, under any other circumstance, we would compliment Peter’s initiative and thoughtfulness to look after the comfort of the guests. But today? Jesus is radiating the Divine Light! He’s shining! For this moment of singularity, we humans are given a glimpse of the Eternal Presence, of the Light that Shines in the Darkness, at the Transfigured Christ! And his response? “Let us make three tents for you!” A message was being conveyed but it was ignored, whether intentional or not is secondary to the fact that he was consumed by worldly interests in the face of this most auspicious event.

Peter’s response to this event was not too much different to our response to God’s presence today. Messages are sent to us daily – several times during a day – but, intentionally or not, we lose sight of the beauty. How many flowers and trees did you pass today on your walk or drive? I imagine, you passed by so many that, familiarity has bred contempt, and you passed by without standing in awe that each of these are the miracle of seedlings, soil and sun. How often have we ignored a child’s plea for attention, only to chase after some insignificant matter? Is that child’s cry, not the voice of God?  When have we truly remarked at the miracle of life, of a single heart beating for 20, 40, 80 or 100 years? And to think, every night the stars, the galaxies, the universe comes out on display, and we walk in other directions until the morning light makes them all vanish.

The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ is a reminder of the awesome glory of God that shines, that radiates all around us. The Christ-light is there, waiting for our reaction. We can stand in awe of a sunset, or put on sunglasses, or pull up an umbrella, or come inside and turn on the light switch. Christ was Transformed. The law and the prophets had gathered around him. The voice of the Father is heard. Peter and the disciples had a choice on how to react as do we every day.

Let us pray, Lord Jesus Christ, when you transfigured and radiated the Light which came to us from the beginning of Time, you gave us yet another opportunity to connect to eternity. Guide me to find glimpses of the Light amidst the darkness that seems to consume my thoughts and my paths. May your presence guide my life so that I may celebrate the glimpses of beauty and joy that are always present in my life. Amen.

The Great Fish Story

Armodoxy for Today: The Great Fish Story

The third time Jesus appears to the disciples after the Resurrection was one morning when a group of them were going fishing. They were led by Peter. (John 21)

They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”

They answered Him, “No.”

And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.

Acknowledging your needs before the Lord … “Children, have you any food?” “No, we don’t” is the first step toward miracles. He won’t fill your net, but He will point you in the right direction.

Let us pray, God, our great provider, You created everything and every being in this world that we are living in. You have made us in your image and even allow us the privilege of caring for one another. In so doing, we humbly serve You. Keep us safe from harm, so that we may continue to provide and share with one another. Amen.

Miracles from Another Vantage Point

Next Step #161 – July 7, 2011

Find the Miracles in your life by taking a look from a different vantage point. Beyond the thunder and lightning, here is a challenge to view miracles from the vantage point of God – it’s more than the blind seeing and the paralyzed walking. It’s powerful. From his own personal health challenges, Fr. Vazken invites the listener to see the Power of Christ as in the healing process. From Preston Platform – a view of a son and his father, to a Catholic Church in Brussels – a group prays and meditates, the miracle cannot be prevented! Four years after the “7×77” conference, the message of Forgiveness points us to God’s Vantage Point. Armodoxy explained by Gor, Komitas and the Partridge.
Music: Gor Mkhitarian “Gakavik” by Komitas Vartabed http://www.gormusic.com/
Ani’s Bubbles: “Patriotic Message: JFK’s inaugural address”
Links:
On Forgiveness: www.7×77.org
Holy Etchmiadzing: www.armenianchurch.org
St. Hagop Sunday School (Montreal): www.sourphagop.org
Armodoxy’s new channel on Youtube: www.youtube.com/armodoxy
Produced by Suzie Shatarevyan for epostle.net
Look for The Next Step on blubrry.com

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Turning Dreams to Reality

 

The Next Step with Fr. Vazken – #6 – July 23, 2008

Inspired by the moon landing 39 years ago this week, Fr. Vazken talks about dreaming and turning them into reality. Is it as easy as waking up?
Darfur update – Bashir defies the world community.
Interview with Gor Mkhitarian who discusses his music and spirituality.
World premiere of the song “Miracles” – part of an album of spiritual music to debut in December 2008. “Miracles” is Gor’s latest creation. Gor continues to discuss about prayer and his song, “About God.”

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