Reflection for 2nd Sunday of Lent

First Reading: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
Second Reading: Romans 8:31b-34
Gospel: Mark 9:2-10

*Jesus took Peter, James and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them.*

Wouldn’t it be great to get a glimpse of the glorified Jesus, as Peter, James and John did at the mountain top experience we read about in today’s gospel, that we call the Transfiguration? It would certainly help us through the sufferings and difficult times of our lives – knowing that this promised glory awaits us as well. Perhaps, we need to pause once in a while, for a few moments and reflect on this heavenly glory – in which our entire life is geared towards attaining that glory. This is not day- dreaming . It is holding fast to the Truth – Jesus Christ with confidant assurance.

However, we must walk by faith, knowing that our hope for this glory with Jesus Christ will one day be fulfilled. We read in today’s 2nd reading from St. Paul: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom8:31). A few verses before today’s selection from Romans, Paul tells us: “We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who have been called according to his decree.” (Rom8:28) What does this mean? Through the joyful moments, the sorrow moments and every moment in between, God, the Father, for all eternity calls us into a loving relationship with his Son, Jesus Christ, that we may know Him through his Son, by the Holy Spirit.

What further evidence do we need that God is for us, then God sending his Son to be our Savior? God is faithful. Despite the many times we may turn away from God, through sin, he remains steadfast always willing to grant us forgiveness and forget our sins.

He keeps the covenant forged with us at the time of our Baptism. We emerged from the waters of Baptism as a new creation in Jesus Christ. We read in the Catholic Catechism (CCC 1214): “Through that sacramental action and the Trinitarian formula the believer is immersed into Christ’s death. Rising from baptismal waters the Spirit claims for us a share in the resurrection and we are made a new creation.” Each time we confess our sins and receive absolution in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, our soul is as clean as the time of Baptism.

This Lent we especially reflect on the idea of covenant. Last week we heard the story of Noah…this week the story of Abraham…and we will hear more about covenants as we continue through Lent…we, out of love for God, say “yes” – staying faithful to our Baptismal covenant, knowing that God is for us!

May God bless us always!
Deacon Mike