Second Sunday of Lent
Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 | Romans 8:31b-34 | Mark 9:2-10
The theme of today’s Scripture readings is transformation. The readings tell us to put our faith in the loving promises of a merciful God who sent his son to die for us.
The first reading from the Book of Genesis explains how Abraham’s trusting faith in God and his blind obedience to God’s directive to sacrifice his only son transformed Abraham’s life. Abraham’s obedience made him a model of faith in God’s promises and obedience to his will. In the second reading from Romans, Paul recalls that God the Father did not spare the life of his son, Jesus, when he offered to die for our salvation because God loves us with an everlasting love. The Gospel reading from Mark recalls the story of the Transfiguration when Jesus revealed his divine identity. Jesus’s divine glory was manifested to his chosen disciples so they might discard their worldly ambitions and dreams of a political Messiah and be strengthened in their time of trial. The Transfiguration established Jesus’ identity as the beloved son of God.
These readings challenge us to be God-centered. God should be the priority of our lives, and there can be nothing more important than to glorify God through our words, actions, and deeds. Let us look beyond the pain of life we experience in this fractured world and see the presence of God and the gift of life and love that God gives to each of us. Let us open ourselves during this Lenten season to that love in our lives and help others to know that love. By our spirit–filled and transformed lives, we can radiate the glory and grace of our loving God to others.
Let us reflect on the words from the gospel
“This is my beloved Son, listen to Him.”
(Mark 9: v. 7)
Sr. Margaret Flood, OP
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