Second Sunday of Lent
Gen. 12:1-4a | Ps. 33:4-5, 18-20, 22 | 2 Tim. 1:8b-10 | Mt. 17:1-9
Listening to the Word of God is at the core of all the readings today. True listening involves hearing what God wants of us, loving God beyond all else, and trusting that God will provide for us. Abram is asked to leave his homeland and travel to a strange place. God promises to be with him to bless him and make his descendants numerous. Abram does as God asks and trusts that God will take care of him. Paul tells us that God called us to be holy and promises to help us endure all the hardships of life. God has fulfilled His promises through Jesus Christ who destroyed death and brought us to Life.
Jesus is transfigured before the apostles. Peter is so overwhelmed that he immediately wants to set up a shrine. Peter is responding to this great event through human eyes and heart. God tells Peter to listen: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Then Jesus tells him:
“Do not be afraid.” and “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” Peter is asked to see with God’s eyes and not as a human. Peter is asked to see beyond the immediate and to see the deep love that God has for him and for us.
Today, take time to listen to the readings at a deeper level. Ask God to help you to hear the message of faith and trust at a level greater than before. Decide how you can bring this message to all the world.