Second Sunday of Lent

Genesis 22: 1-2,9,10-13,15-18

As we read the story of the sacrifice (or almost sacrifice) of Isaac by his father, Abraham, we can react with revulsion.  Remember that Isaac is Abraham and Sarah’s only Son, a son conceived miraculously late in their lives.  How could God take away the son he gave them?  It’s not right.  How could God do this to them?  I am sure we have had the same reaction when something goes terribly wrong in our own lives.  In the face of extreme suffering it is natural to have this type of reaction.  Perhaps this reading is asking us about our willingness to sacrifice something dear to us for God’s (and our) benefit.  All that we have is a generous gift from God.  How do we begin to give back to God for all that we have received?

Romans 8:31-34

Continuing the theme of sacrifice in the first reading, Paul is telling us that God has sacrificed for us.  He sacrificed His Son, Jesus, so that we might receive God’s great blessing.  This reading is also very confident.  “If God is for us, who can be against us?”  Paul basically says that no one can really conquer us because we have God’s power on our side.  Christ intercedes for us and so we are invincible.

Meditate on Jesus’ sacrifice by thinking of sacrifices you make in your own life.  Have those sacrifices been a grace for you? Or not?

Mark 9:2-10

Question:  Why only Peter, James and John?  Maybe if Thomas were there he would not be “doubting Thomas” after Jesus’ resurrection.  Maybe Judas Iscariot would not have turned Jesus over if he had been there.  Were the other disciples jealous?  Who can say?

It is interesting that Moses and Elijah come and go.  They converse with Jesus about His mission and then disappear after the Father speaks.  Perhaps they disappear because now the disciples see the One who has replaced/fulfilled the Law (Moses) and the Old Testament Prophets (Elijah.)  All is different because Jesus is the one who will stay on the mountain – Moses and Elijah leave.

Despite this grand event, they still doubt and have questions, evidenced by the last two sentences of the reading. 

What do you need to transfigure in your life?  Ask Jesus to help you with that.  Why did Jesus tell the three disciples not to tell anyone about the Transfiguration? 

 I invite your comments.