Second Sunday of Lent (Year A) Gen 12:1-4a; Psalm 33; 2Tim 1:8b-10; Matt 17:1-9 A PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH WITH THE TRANSFIGURED JESUS The journey back to God, which the season of Lent demands of us is a journey of faith. No one can embark on such journey faithfully unless he truly believes in God. The call of Abraham in the First Reading gives us a wonderful example of this. The obedience of Abram in verse 4 - so Abram went, as the Lord had told him - is a result of his strong faith in God, that Gods promises (cf. Gen 12:2-3) shall come to pass. Abram embarked on this journey to a land of uncertainty (see Gen 12:1). He was not sure where God was leading him to. That equally happens to us most often. Many times, we are faced with situations/sufferings that weigh us down and put us in the danger of losing our faith. St Paul knows that such situations are bound to come the way of a Christian and so encourages Timothy, in the Second Reading, to take such situations/sufferings as our share for the Gospel in the power of God (2Tim 1:8b). In the power of God means that we are not going to carry it on our strength alone. God would always be there to assist us, but we must be able to reach out to take our cross and come after Jesus first (see Matt 16:24). If Peter and James and John were not with Jesus at the Mountain, they might not have experienced the glory of God the way they did. Yet, to climb a mountain is not an easy endeavour. It takes strength and good health to accomplish that venture. But we cannot do without the Mountain because that is a place of encounter with God; a place of consolation from God. Notice how Jesus calmed the fear of his disciples, saying to them, Rise, and have no fear (Matt 17:7). If you make Jesus your friend, he will lead you up to that Mountain just as he led Peter and James and John. And he will always be with you to soften your burden whenever you are troubled. So let us continue this pilgrimage of faith with Jesus on our side. Always remember this! Fellowship with Jesus brings comfort (Matt 17:4), consolation (Matt 17:7), confirmation (Matt 17:3, 5) and contentment (Matt 17:4). If you want to confirm this, ask St. Peter what his experience was at Mount Tabor during the Transfiguration of Jesus. Climb the mountain with Jesus; it is promising (see Isa 25:6-9). I wish you a joyful fellowship with Jesus, today and forever. Happy Sunday dear friends. It is well with you. Amen
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 04:22:07 +0000
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