In the seminary, it is our practice to hold the elections of our new coordinators at the beginning of the semester. This semester, I was surprised when our rector appointed me as health coordinator, the one in charge of addressing our community health concerns. I felt a bit reluctant because I had no background in this field. This was one of the many “whys” I wanted to find an answer to.
At first, things were going smoothly. However, everything changed when, in mid-July, we discovered that some of our members tested positive for COVID. I automatically became the lead of the Seminary Health Emergency Response Team tasked to aid our community members with COVID symptoms. Most of the time, we were in our quarantine area monitoring our patients’ condition, delivering food, and assisting them with their personal needs. I must admit that it was fearsome and exhausting, but at the end of each day, I found joy and consolation, knowing that God made me an instrument and he had something to reveal to me.
The Transfiguration of the Lord is a revelation of Christ’s glory in the presence of his disciples. Like the experience of the disciples, when the Lord reveals Himself to us, it will surely surprise and excite us and may bring us fear. On the other hand, beyond excitement and fear, the Transfiguration is a challenge for us to also be transformed into the likeness of Christ.
I believe I have discovered the answer to my “why.” I realized that my appointment as health coordinator was one of God’s ways of teaching me what true charity is, of purifying my intention to serve Him in my neighbors, and of revealing His consoling presence to me in the midst of fear and confusion. It is both a revelation and an invitation to imitate and manifest Christ’s glory in my life.
By: Sem. Edward R. Miana
Today’s Gospel
Luke 9:28b-36
Jesus took Peter, John, and James
and went up a mountain to pray.
While he was praying his face changed in appearance
and his clothing became dazzling white.
And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah,
who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus
that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep,
but becoming fully awake,
they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus,
“Master, it is good that we are here;
let us make three tents,
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
But he did not know what he was saying.
While he was still speaking,
a cloud came and cast a shadow over them,
and they became frightened when they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said,
“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
They fell silent and did not at that time
tell anyone what they had seen.
Holy Apostles Senior Seminary 
The Lord is glorified best when we know it’s His work through us and not of ourselves. These are the times we experience our greatest spiritual growth. I enjoy your writings!
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