SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT (C)
1st Reading: (Genesis 15:5-12:17 - 18)
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 27: 1.7-8b.8c-9abc. 13-14 (R. 1a)
2nd Reading: Philippians 3:17-4: 1
Gospel Reading: Luke 9:28b-36
Fabian Dania
Brethren, join in imitating me.....for many walk as enemies of the cross of Christ
I find in these words of St. Paul, a great challenge for the members of Christ's body. In our present day, it is difficult to find a model of faith. The level of moral depravity that has engulfed people of this generation (both young and old) make it difficult to point out to someone as a person of faith worthy of emulation. However, it is this very kind of person we are called to be. Here, Paul confidently calls on his audience to imitate him because he is convinced of his walk with Christ.
Christ has called each of us to be an example of a person of trustworthy faith of whom he can say "this is my son/daughter imitate him/her." The question is am I fulfilling this call? Are you fulfilling this call?
Today's Christians are challenged to be good examples. May we not be found wanting in this great task. May we not be found to be walking as enemies of the cross of Christ. Amen!!!
Comfort Mary Edewor
My Reflection on the First Reading.
The gospel truth that comes to mind each time I go through this passage is that no one can please God without faith. We often fail to realize how useless it is to petition God without faith. Praying and asking God for that gift should rather occupy our prayer life more than whatever we are asking from God. This is because if we believe and trust that God is able to do all that we can possibly ask, the time he chooses to do it would cease to be an issue for us. The gift of patience to wait on the Lord would no longer be a problem, because regardless of how long it takes, we know that God's promises never fails. I always ask myself if it is possible to trust someone you do not know. I sincerely believe that knowing God more deeply through his word would help nurture our faith and trust in him. Knowing what God has done in the past in the lives of his friends of old would strengthen our relationship with him and help us trust him in every situation. Just imagine Abraham getting up, leaving his home to a place he knew nothing about because he trusted in God's plan for his life. That can only be the grace of God at work. Trusting God without having 'plan B' is what pleases God . That way we acknowledge that God's plan and timing is better than ours. May God help us all in this journey of faith.
Lady Rosemary. C. Iloba JP
"THIS IS MY SON, MY CHOSEN, LISTEN TO HIM."
Our gospel passage of today is one that brings a great challenge to every one of us in the area of "LISTENING." Listening is an art that must be cultivated. Listening requires utmost attention and presence. The one who listens must never be absent-minded. He must be fully present, body and soul. One of the great challenges to listening today is "NOISE." We live in a world that is noisy, and many of us still go ahead to create noise when we feel that the environment is serene. To serve God, we must make a conscious effort to be dedicated to HIM in body and soul. In the account of the transfiguration, there was a meeting of the law, and the prophets symbolized by the physical presence of Moses and Elijah. In Jesus, the law and the prophets meet. The law Jesus is the fulfilment of the law and the prophecies. In John 14:6, the Lord declares: " I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." Therefore when the Divine Majesty declared HIM as the One to be listened to, we are by this divine announcement schooled that JESUS remains the only way to our salvation. To be blessed, we must listen to Jesus, to be healed, we must listen to Jesus, to be forgiven, we must listen to Jesus, to be revived, we must listen to Jesus, to be transformed, we must listen to Jesus. Therefore, choose this day to whom will listen? Many had listened to Man and ended up committing suicide, but when you listen to Jesus, you have a hope of another day. "Because HE lives, you will face not just tomorrow but the years ahead with a spirit of an overcomer."
Understanding the way the Jews made a covenant with each other would help us better understand this passage and appreciate God's loving kindness.
Now, when the Jews want to make a covenant with each other, just as God was to make a covenant with Abraham, as they have brought the animals and cut them in two, they would each go through the halves of the animals they slew, indicating that, if any of them default on the covenant, let what happened to the animals happen to them.
But look at the case of Abraham..... God caused Abraham to fall into a deep (this not allowing him to go through the animals), and it was God alone who passed through the halves of the animals via the smoking fire pot and flaming torch. God was in essence saying, I am making this covenant with you, and as I have passed through, if I default (which we all know is not possible), let it be to me as these animals. God made the covenant and swore with HIMSELF, who remains faithful till eternity. God knows man, on their own, is unable to keep his promises, which is why we have a passage of the Bible that says 'Cursed is the man who puts his trust in man'. God showed that He is faithful, unchanging and a covenant-keeper, and as He has said, so it shall be.
Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. How about you? How about me? Do I really believe and trust God? Do I trust that God is working even when the physical realm and situations look otherwise? Do I hold on to God even if my prayers are not answered in my life time? Do I still trust and put my faith in God when my health, finances, relationships, career etc. seems to be in chaos?
Like the Psalmist says, 'Wait for the Lord; be strong; be stout-hearted, and wait for the Lord
Glory to Jesus.
Cynthia Oluchi
Second Sunday of lent
Theme
Encountering God's Glory"
Introduction:
Today's readings invite us to reflect on our encounter with God's glory. In the 1st reading, Abraham experiences God's glory in a dramatic and mysterious way. In the Gospel, Jesus reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John on the mountain. These encounters remind us that our faith journey is not just about following rules or rituals, but about experiencing the living God.
Abraham's Encounter:
In the 1st reading, Abraham is asked by God to look up at the stars and count them. God promises Abraham that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars. Abraham believes God, and his faith is reckoned to him as righteousness. This encounter highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's promises.
We can learn from Abraham's example. When we face uncertainty or doubt, we can look to the stars and remember God's promise to Abraham. We can trust that God's plan for us is bigger than we can imagine, and that He will guide us through the darkest nights.
Jesus' Transfiguration:
In the Gospel, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain to pray. While praying, Jesus is transfigured before them, and His divine glory is revealed. Moses and Elijah appear, representing the Law and the Prophets, and they speak about Jesus' departure, which He will accomplish in Jerusalem.
This encounter reminds us that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, and that He is the source of our salvation. We are called to listen to Jesus' voice and follow Him on the journey of faith.
Our Encounter:
So, how do we encounter God's glory in our lives? We encounter God's glory in:
- Prayer: When we pray, we open ourselves to God's presence and glory. We can experience God's love, mercy, and forgiveness in prayer.
- Sacraments: The sacraments are tangible expressions of God's glory. In the Eucharist, we receive Christ's body and blood, and we are nourished by His glory.
- Relationships: We encounter God's glory in our relationships with others. When we love and serve others, we experience God's love and glory.
- Creation: We encounter God's glory in the beauty of creation. The stars, the mountains, the oceans – all of these remind us of God's power and glory.
Conclusion:
Today's readings remind us that our faith journey is not just about following rules or rituals, but about experiencing the living God. We are called to encounter God's glory in our lives, to believe in His promises, and to follow Him on the journey of faith.
May we, like Abraham and the apostles, experience the glory of God and be transformed by His love. May we shine with the light of Christ, and may our lives reflect the glory of God.
Reflection Questions:
1. How have you experienced God's glory in your life?
2. What are some ways you can deepen your encounter with God's glory?
3. How can you share your experience of God's glory with others?
Action Steps:
1. Take time to pray and reflect on your encounter with God's glory.
2. Participate in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, to experience God's glory.
3. Look for opportunities to serve others and experience God's glory in relationships.
4. Take time to appreciate the beauty of creation and reflect on God's glory.
