The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, March 12, 2006
Second Sunday of Lent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18
Psalm 116:10, 15-19
Romans 8:31-34
Mark 9:2-10

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

As Jesus trudged up the Mount of the Transfiguration with Peter, James, and John, His spirit must have tingled with anticipation of what He was about to show them. As His garments shone with blinding splendor, Moses and Elijah and Jesus carried on a conversation about His mission, his terrible passion and death, and the earth-shattering event of the Resurrection. As it would free Jesus from the bonds of death, it would free all of us from Adam’s curse. 

It was a blessed moment that came and went for them as though in a dream. The glory of it all filled their hearts first with fear, and then with ecstatic joy as Peter cried out, “Lord, let us build three tents here... one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah!” But it was not to be. As the glory faded, and they came down the mountain, back to the reality of every day, Jesus’ heart must have been heavy. Had his friends learned anything about the price He was about to pay for their freedom? Had they any idea about the price they would pay as His followers? 

We get a clue to that terrible cost in the story of Abraham and Isaac in today’s first reading. This story has mystified saints and scholars for centuries, to say nothing about the rest of us. How could God ask Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac? Of course, it was only a test, but Abraham didn’t know that! It took every ounce of trust for him to obey the Lord. And because of his trust and obedience, the Lord made him the Father of nations.

As the Father tested Abraham, so Jesus tested His apostles, and all who would come after them. The only response is to trust and to obey. It took Peter some floundering and doubt, some hesitation and even betrayal, before he became the solid rock on which Christ could build his church.

As we come down the mountain today, let’s resolve to face courageously the test that Lent provides. Are we willing to fast and pray, to mourn our sins and failures, and prepare to become all that we can be as loyal, courageous, and loving followers of Jesus? We keep seeing small glimpses of what our heaven will be.  May they be enough to keep us traveling day by day to the fullness of its glory.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)

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