Transfiguration

St. Mary's Cathedral rectory.

Before the Mass of the Transfiguration, I spent time with the Monsignor and received the Anointing of the Sick. This used to be call Extreme Unction and was given only when a person was near death. Now it is viewed as an instrument of healing—and you are absolved of your sins without having to make confession.

I love this prayer, which is said while anointing the forehead and hands of the sick person. I couldn't help chiming in on the last three words.

Through this holy anointing
may the Lord in his love and mercy
help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.
May the Lord who frees you from sin
save you and raise you up.

Afterward I felt transfigured.

It has always struck me as deeply meaningful that Hiroshima was bombed on the Feast of the Transfiguration and that these events are observed on the same day, August 6. In each instance, a brilliant light. In one case the result is illumination, peace, and conversion; in the other it is death, destruction, and suffering.
I'm thinking of the people of Japan today as they continue to suffer the effects of the tsunami that once again has brought nuclear fission as a destructive force into their lives.
May the Lord save them and raise them up.