All transfigurations, from the resurgence of Rockford's urban center to Jesus on the mountaintop, have one thing in common: First, someone has to see the potential for greatness in the ordinary. God has seen the potential in all of us, has seen the vision of what our lives and our world can be transfigured in His light and love. Faith should be dynamic, not bound by the past but a proactive belief in the present and our shared future. As is written in the letter to the Hebrews, "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen." Let us all keep our eyes open for the hidden potentials that can usher in the transfigurations we desire.

The Scripture references are 2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-4, and 2 Corinthians 4:3-6. The Gospel reference is Mark 9:2-9.

In Mark's Gospel we see Jesus heal Peter's mother in law just by taking her hand. Those who witnessed this desired a miracle for themselves, bringing their sick and possessed to Him to be healed, and He gave them what they desired. Think of those who we know in our lives that need that healing and wholeness that comes from being with another person. Visit them, hold their hand, be there for them. By being present with those in need we open a space for compassion, and for God to enter in.

The Scripture references are Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-8, and 1 Corinthians 9:16-23. The Gospel reference is Mark 1:29-39.

In Mark's Gospel we see Jesus heal Peter's mother in law just by taking her hand. Those who witnessed this desired a miracle for themselves, bringing their sick and possessed to Him to be healed, and He gave them what they desired. Think of those who we know in our lives that need that healing and wholeness that comes from being with another person. Visit them, hold their hand, be there for them. By being present with those in need we open a space for compassion, and for God to enter in.

The Scripture references are Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-8, and 1 Corinthians 9:16-23. The Gospel reference is Mark 1:29-39.

The Holy Spirit calls each of us in many ways, to serve and minister according to our skills. The first four disciples dropped their nets and followed Jesus when he called, but they had experience well suited to the mission that lay ahead. Just as they sought out schools of fish to gather in their nets, they sought out the poor and weary who hungered for relief, gathering them in the net of the Good News. As they felt God's spirit moving within them we too should listen for the Spirit within us, to use the gifts and skills that God has given us to bring ourselves and those we meet into the community of His church.

The Scripture references are Jonah 3:1-5,10, Psalm 62:6-9, and 1 Corinthians 7:29-31. The Gospel reference is Mark 1:14-20.

"Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" It's easy to see ourselves in Nathaniel's example, quick to dismiss things that don't fit our preconceptions and prejudices. There is no shame in that, as our judgements are often rooted in our own insecurities and we judge ourselves even more harshly for the same reasons. By following Philip's call to "come and see" we can look for ourselves, and learn for ourselves. Jesus calls us to follow Him and find that serenity and sense of self in God, fully appreciating ourselves and those around us. We come to know we have God's grace, and hearts big enough to share it.

The Scripture references are 1 Samuel 3:1-10, Psalm 139:1-6,13-14, and 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. The Gospel reference is John 1:43-51.

At this time of year when we make our New Year's resolutions, we can follow the example of the Magi and listen for the voice of God in all we do. God's voice can direct us to a better place, a better way of life, and to help improve the lives of those around us. God wants to walk with us. Let's resolve to listen for His voice each day.

The Scripture references are Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72:10-14, and Ephesians 3:1-12. The Gospel reference is Matthew 2:1-12

What a great gift God has given us, to come as a helpless baby to live among us. From His first birth in the Incarnation to his continued birth in each of us through our baptism, we receive Him and His Truth. That spark of the divine that burns in each of us, shining at the very core of our being, that we share as children of God. This is indeed the greatest gift: Emmanuel, God with us.

The Scripture references are Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Psalm 147:13,15-21, and Galatians 3:23-25, 4:4-7. The Gospel reference is John 1:1-18.

A young girl, happy in the life she leads, finds herself the recipient of an angelic visitor with news that would change her life and the whole world. What if she hadn't accepted this gift? What if she hadn't had faith enough to become the Mother of God? Her example is always before us to recognize the callings that are ever present in our lives. What is God asking us to do?

The Scripture references are 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16, Psalm 89:1-4, and Romans 16:25-27. The Gospel reference is Luke 1:26-38.

A young girl, happy in the life she leads, finds herself the recipient of an angelic visitor with news that would change her life and the whole world. What if she hadn't accepted this gift? What if she hadn't had faith enough to become the Mother of God? Her example is always before us to recognize the callings that are ever present in our lives. What is God asking us to do?

The Scripture references are 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16, Psalm 89:1-4, and Romans 16:25-27. The Gospel reference is Luke 1:26-38.

When the stresses of the holiday season seem too much, remember Mary. Pregnant, traveling to a strange town, with no place to stay, surrounded by strangers and their animals; who could blame her if she was less than enthusiastic? But there is Mary, taking a moment amid the chaos to love her child and ponder these gifts in her heart. We experience Christmas best when we follow her example and find a moment to appreciate life in the midst of "real life".

The Scripture references are Isaiah 9:2-7 and Titus 2:11-14. The Gospel reference is Luke 2:1-20.