Someone once defined the stages and transformations in life thus: 0-5

years old, learning skills. 6-16 years old, undergoing many drills; 17-25
years old, experiencing thrills; 26-40 years old, paying bills; 41-60 years
old, suffering ills; 61-75 years old, taking pills; 76 years old and beyond,
preparing our wills.

***

In today’s gospel (Lk. 9, 28b-36), the disciples Peter, John, and James
witnessed Jesus transfigured before their very eyes. His face changed in
appearance and His clothes became dazzling white. So amazed were they
that Peter exclaimed: “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make
three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” As we all
know, the transfiguration story did not end with three tents being built
there, but with Jesus telling the disciples to go down from the
mountaintop, and to move on.

***

Just when we thought that summer is here, lo and behold, came a

generous downpour of rain these past two days to make the grass green
again. Life is about changes and surprises. We must not get stuck with
life’s problems, nor must we ever stop believing that something good is
coming just around the bend. May we be open to life’s possibilities and
not be disheartened by our difficult realities. Aside from spiritual
transfiguration, let us be open to a transfiguration of our mindsets,
attitudes, values, and new ways of looking at things and circumstances.

***

Problems can petrify us or transform us. Problems can imprison us or

help us grow and move on. Below is my suggestion on how to deal, and
how to grow, with problems.

***
P-ray. When we have problems, let us strive to solve them, but let us also
pray and call on God to help us. The act of praying itself calms and
assures us, not to mention the reality that God does answer prayers in
concrete ways, according to His will and wisdom, and in His own time.
Pray. It works!

***

R-each out. Instead of holing up, holy up and reach out to God. Reach out
also to other people. You will realize that you are not the only one with
problems. There are people who have bigger problems than you. There is
God who will not forsake you. Look around you. There are people who
need you.

***

O-bey. Problems happen because someone fouled up or disobeyed.

Instead of blaming others, the best thing to do is to go back to the basics,
and personally decide to obey. Obedience leads to true freedom, and
peace.

***

B-elieve. Whatever the problem, we must continue believing that there is

a reason, there is a mission, and there is a plan. Furthermore, we must
believe that there is a solution. Problems should strengthen our belief in
God, belief in other people, and belief in our own selves.

***

L-ove. Problems should help us love more, and love true. Instead of loving
less, double the dosage, and experience a new way of loving and a new
way of living. Love helps solve a lot of our problems!

***
E-volve. Problems can help us rediscover our inner strengths and
reserves. Problems help us accept our weaknesses and fears, and
consequently, help us discover that we have what it takes to survive, to
exist, and to truly live.

***

M-ove on. Instead of wallowing in our problems, let us rise above them
and not be burdened by them. Some problems can be solved, and some
problems will always be problems. Instead of magnifying our problems,
and instead of broadcasting our problems, let us learn how to deal with
those that can be dealt with, throw away those that are trash, and learn
not to be enslaved by them.

***

S-acrifice. The solution of any problem will involve sacrifice. As they say,
no pain, no gain. Any act of suffering or sacrifice can help us see more
clearly, act more bravely, and hope more deeply. Remember, whatever
we sacrifice in this life has its own reward.

***

Here is a beautiful prayer to inspire us: “May I come to understand that

blessings are everywhere, that my attitude will affect outcomes, that
challenges are often gifts in disguise. May I come to trust that most things
can get better, with time, that my instincts and gut feelings have value,
that a positive attitude makes things go smoother. May I come to see that I
have many skills and talents I can use, that I am a positive influence on
many people, that there are those around me who wish me well. May I
come to value that today is a blessing to be enjoyed, that each person is
unique and important, that each moment of my life has meaning.”

***
One way of moving on is to apply a text message which I received
recently, advising us to read 1Cor. 13, 4, replacing the word “Love” with
your own name:

“LOVE is patient; LOVE is kind; LOVE is not jealous; LOVE is not pompous;
LOVE is not inflated; LOVE is not rude; LOVE does not seek her own
interests; LOVE is not quick-tempered; LOVE does not brood over injury;
LOVE does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth; LOVE
bears all things; LOVE believes all things; LOVE hopes all things, and
LOVE endures all things.”

***

A moment with the Lord: