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Change is what brings Change

Writer's picture: Monica WaltonMonica Walton

This past Sunday, we celebrated the Transfiguration of the Lord -- a moment on a mountain when Peter, James, and John experienced change. The four men were on a walk together when Jesus' appearance changed, and He was transformed into something even more amazing than they could have imagined. Jesus knew they needed to get a glimpse of Heaven before they could endure His impending death. Their mindset needed to change, so He changed His appearance.

"His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light." Mt 17:1-9

Change is what brings change.

Jesus' appearance changed and the 3 disciples' mood changed from happiness and content to pure joy and wonder.

Then, the sky changed when a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, and their mood and posture changed from amazement to fear.

Next, Jesus changed His posture by touching them and reassuring them, and their disposition changed from unsettled to trust.


On Saturday, I saw this sunset cloud that, to me, looked eerily like an an explosive mushroom cloud, even though I hadn't realized the significant timing of the date. Sunday was the 78th anniversary of the U.S. dropping the first atomic bomb on Japan. That event changed the world. Can you imagine if I was actually seeing such a fiery blast? My mood and disposition would have most certainly changed!


Change is what brings Change

-for good and for bad-


When I eat healthy food and get daily exercise, it positively changes the way I feel and look. When I take in too much news and programming that don't have an uplifting message and overindulge in unhealthy food choices, it negatively changes my outlook on life. When I go for a walk and experience the sights and sounds of nature, it positively changes my appreciation for the miracle of creation. When I stay enclosed with artificial light and technology, it negatively changes my sense of being made in the image of The Creator. When I hear beautiful instrumental music, it positively changes my stress level. When I hear messages of anger and mistrust, it negatively changes my anxiety. When I sit in silence before the Blessed Sacrament, it positively changes my sense of hope. When my prayer time is more about me speaking to God and less about listening to Him, it negatively changes my trust.


One small change can make a profound difference.


Stuck in traffic?

Change your mindset and think of some blessing in life.

Thank You, God, that I have a vehicle and a destination. I can't do anything about the ways others are driving, but I can be a safe and courteous commuter.


Getting drowsy during a long lecture?

Change your seating position and refocus.

Help me, Lord, to give the speaker my respect and attention. I can't change the fact that I didn't get enough sleep, but I can be an engaged participant.



Bored with the same daily routine?

Change one habit and try something new.

Give me courage, Father, to get unstuck so that I might be refreshed. I can't keep doing the same things if I want things to be different.



Feeling distracted and leaving unfulfilled at Church?

Change the way you respond.

During Mass, I often catch myself looking around at other people, or thinking about what I will be doing later. Sometimes I realize I have basically been just going through the motions when suddenly Mass is almost over! What if this were my last chance to gather in His name? I don't want to take the gift of Christian celebration and worship for granted, so I have been working on being more attentive of my mood, posture, and disposition during Mass. Here are some small changes that I have found helpful to be more fully engaged with the words I am saying and singing. Why not give it a try and see it changes your experience of Mass?

~ Look up at the crucifix when speaking to God in the parts of Mass that are the congregation addressing Him.

Grant me the grace to see You when I speak the words of praise and worship to You.

~ Bow your head or close your eyes when confessing your sins and asking God's mercy in those portions of the liturgy.

May I be truly humble when I pray the words of repentance and petition.

~ Picture Jesus standing at the altar surrounded by the Heavenly Hosts during the Eucharistic prayers.

Bless me that I may be more aware of Your presence, and all the angels and saints.

~ Remind yourself that you will be touching the Lord when you receive the Body of Christ.

Help me believe more deeply and eliminate any doubts of the Truth in this Sacrament.

~ Be truly thankful for this time to freely worship and receiving the greatest gift of all.

Thank You, Lord, for offering Your life for me that I may be granted Eternal Salvation. May I go forth to act in Your love, speak of Your love, and live as Your love having received the fruits of the Eucharist.


Change is what brings Change

-for good and for bad-

My mood changes.

My prayer changes.

My worship changes.

My life changes.



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Guest
Aug 10, 2023
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Very nice reflection for sure …… It is a great and subtle reminder of the importance of being aware ….alert… attentive …… when negative thoughts and experiences want to take hold of me and control my mood or my experience ……. I do have gifts to change that …….should I choose to use those gifts ….. He has given me power to respond differently and better to some of life’s circumstances !

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Monica Walton
Monica Walton
Aug 10, 2023
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Amen! Thank you!

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walterjr
Aug 10, 2023
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Beautiful, Sacred and Sensible. This "change" of mind is the threshold of the repentance which you echo and is found in the calling of John the Baptist and The Christ; from the Greek metanoia (meta = beyond / noia = gnosis = knowing). In Matthew 6 Jesus impels us to "take no thought" five times, clearly an invitation for changing our minds through the enhanced reality of a contemplative worldview — even in traffic. Keep up the wonderful work!

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Monica Walton
Monica Walton
Aug 10, 2023
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Amen! Thank you!

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Guest
Aug 09, 2023

During mass when we listen to the readings and the homily I close my eyes so nothing distracts me from listening to the words.

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Monica Walton
Monica Walton
Aug 10, 2023
Replying to

Thank you! Love this Scripture verse!

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© beginning 2023 by: Monica Walton

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