Peace to everyone! Let us leave our comfort zones... March 16, 2014: Second Sunday of Lent Gospel: MATTHEW 17:1-9 1 Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. Q: Sino ang mga isinama ni Jesus? Saan sila nagpunta? Note: This happened after Jesus’ 1st prediction of His passion, death and resurrection 2 And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. Q: Ano ang nangyari kay Jesus? 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Q: Sino ang mga nakitang kausap ni Jesus? Note: Moses represents the Law (10 Commandments), Elijah the prophets; both were part of God’s plan for the coming of the Messiah and His reconciliation with mankind; Jesus is the fulfilment/completion of God’s plan as He is at the end of His mission 4 Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Q: Ano naman ang plano ni Peter? 5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Q: Habang nagsasalita si Peter, ano ang nangyari? Sino ang nagsalita mula sa ulap? Ano ang sabi Niya? Ano ang dagdag na sabi ni Father dito na wala noong baptism ni Jesus? Bakit kaya sinabi ito ng Ama? Note: As in Jesus’ baptism by John at the Jordan, the Holy Trinity was manifested – the Father (voice), the Holy Spirit (cloud, dove during the baptism, other forms like tongues of fire, wind), and Jesus Himself. 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. Q: Ano ang naging reaction ng mga alagad? 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” Q: Ano ang ginawa ni Jesus sa kanila? 8 And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. Q: Nang tumingin ang mga alagad, ano ang napansin nila? 9 As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” Q: Ano ang bilin ni Jesus nanag pababa na sila? Bakit kaya? Key points/summary: Transfiguration – glory; assurance, empowerment, strength; do not be afraid; mission; Reading 1: GENESIS 12:1-4A 1 The LORD said to Abram: “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you. Q: Ano ang sabi ni Lord kay Abram? Madali ba itong pinapagawa ni Lord? Note: Abram was the 1st name of Abraham before God’s covenant with him to become the father of all nations. Abram and his family were settled at Haran wherein they were prosperous. They were to go to Canaan, the promised land. 2 “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. Q: Ano ang pangako ni Lord kapag sumunod si Abram? 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you.” Q: Ano pa ang pangako ni Lord? 4 Abram went as the LORD directed him. Q: Ano ang sagot ni Abram? Key points/summary: comfort zone; called to go forth to promised land; be a blessing; obedience Reading 2: 2 TIMOTHY 1:8B-10 Beloved: 8 Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. Q: Ano ang payo ni Paul kay Timothy? Note: During this time, Timothy was experiencing difficulties in his ministry 9 He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, Q: Ano na ang ginawa ng Diyos? Ano ang plano Niya sa tao? Sa paanong paraan matutupad ang plano na ito? 10 but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Q: Paano nahayag ang plano ng Diyos? Ano ang naging bunga ng ginawa ni Jesus Christ? Key points/summary: bear hardships for the Gospel; what the Father and Jesus Christ had done; holy life; immortality Connection (in collaboration with sis. wife Baby): Transfiguration is a glimpse of Jesus’ glory, not only for Himself but also for His disciples. It also means assurance (of the Father), empowerment, strength and not being afraid. This, in view of the impending great sacrifice of Jesus to fulfill His mission. Abram, in the 1st reading, was called to leave his homeland and familiar surroundings to a place unknown, with just the Word and Promise of God to hold on to. He decided to obey God despite the sacrifice and thus, he became a blessing to all nations. In the 2nd reading, Timothy has accepted Jesus through Paul’s teachings, and can thus claim the promise of salvation. But Paul challenges him to bear his share of hardship for the Gospel. It turns out, the Gospel is not just about ACCEPTING Jesus’ blessings, but living it out, leaving one’s comfort zone and be a blessing also to others. We, likewise, are being called to get out of our comfort zones and heed our calling – mission to be a blessing to others. If we know God and His promises, our faith and trust in Him will make us answer His call, listen and know what His plans are. We will obey Him and fulfil our mission. And if in doing so we bear hardships for the Gospel, that is holiness. Yes, we will definitely have to bear hardships, but as in Christ’s transfiguration where they were given a glimpse of His glory, we too will be strengthened by this promise of glory to those who place their full trust in God. Hibla: Let us leave our comfort zones and be a blessing to others. Application: Am I a blessing or a burden to others? What difficulties do I encounter in my calling? Are my hardships stopping me from serving God and others? Responsorial Psalm: PS 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22 Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you. Hibla + resp Psalm: We can leave our comfort zones because the Lord’s mercy will be on us.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 13:41:59 +0000
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