R. Alleluia, alleluia.
This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them;
his face shone like the sun
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.
Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,
“Lord, it is good that we are here.
If you wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them,
then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.”
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.
But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
“Rise, and do not be afraid.”
And when the disciples raised their eyes,
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,
“Do not tell the vision to anyone
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Let me share with you my thoughts about the sacred music here at Our Lady of Mount Carmel & Saint Anthony over the years …

Our Deacon Mark was the Director of Sacred Music here for more than 25 years.  Very gifted with both the pipe organ and his voice, he dedicated himself to providing the very best in sacred song and music for the glory of God. Only when he felt the call to the diaconate did he then pass his duties on to Craig Ziobert who learned very well from Mark and his dear friend Dr. Daniel Laginya.  The sacred music with Craig continued to capture the glory of God, and there was even more spiritual growth in the parish as well. Our choir grew, as did the appreciation for sacred music by the faithful — everything got better.  And then Craig is called to priesthood — He said, “Yes,” to the Church as well.  He then worked with Nick Matiussi to take over so that our parish is not without sacred music. And boy did he ever (I say this in the best sense).  We really grow with Nick —choir, cantors, the faithful, deacons, servers, priests.

Mark, Craig and Nick have been, for me as pastor, like Saints Peter, James and John on Mount Tabor when Jesus showed Himself to them in majesty, all brilliant white, and the voice of the Father speaking, “This is my beloved Son!”

The Gloria of the Mass sung at Sunday Mass in English or ancient Latin is like the Transfiguration on the Mountain: “Glory to God in the highest …,” “We praise You. We bless You. We adore You. We glorify You.” “Thank You…” “You alone are the Holy One …,” “Lord,” “Most High …”

Often, I wake up in the night and find myself singing the Gloria in my mind.  Glory to God in the Highest.  That is good thing.  “Lord it is for us to be here.”

But we must be people of good will — His peace will be given to us.

I know that we live with many absurdities in life: the slaughter of the unborn here and throughout the world, murder on our streets, wars like the one between Ukraine and Russia, and violence of every kind.  I know there are many crosses we carry in life, even crosses we do not deserve.

But don’t stop. Be people of goodwill. Give always Glory to God in the Highest. Always.

Monsignor Michael J. Cariglio, Jr., Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica – Saint Anthony Parish

As I watched:

Thrones were set up
and the Ancient One took his throne.
His clothing was bright as snow,
and the hair on his head as white as wool;
his throne was flames of fire,
with wheels of burning fire.
A surging stream of fire
flowed out from where he sat;
Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him,
and myriads upon myriads attended him.
The court was convened and the books were opened.

As the visions during the night continued, I saw:

One like a Son of man coming,
on the clouds of heaven;
When he reached the Ancient One
and was presented before him,
The one like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship;
all peoples, nations, and languages serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.

R. (1a and 9a) The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many islands be glad.
Clouds and darkness are round about him,
justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.
R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the LORD of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.
R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.
Because you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth,
exalted far above all gods.
R. The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.

Beloved:
We did not follow cleverly devised myths
when we made known to you
the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For he received honor and glory from God the Father
when that unique declaration came to him from the majestic glory,
“This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven
while we were with him on the holy mountain.
Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable.
You will do well to be attentive to it,
as to a lamp shining in a dark place,
until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

It has long been a Catholic understanding that when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make an Act of Spiritual Communion, which is a source of grace. Spiritual Communion is an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament and lovingly embrace him at a time or in circumstances when one cannot receive Him in sacramental Communion. The most common reason for making an Act of Spiritual Communion is when a person cannot attend Mass. Acts of Spiritual Communion increase our desire to receive sacramental Communion and help us avoid the sins that would make us unable to receive Holy Communion worthily.

Spiritual Communion Prayer

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love you above all things and I desire to receive you in my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally,

Come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace you as if you were already there

And unite myself wholly to you.

Never permit me to be separated from you.

Amen.