Second Sunday of Lent
Also Read: Mass Readings for 05 March 2023 Homily for 05 March 2023 – Sunday
First Reading: Genesis 12: 1-4
“I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (3)
We are blessed through Abraham! Through father Abraham, we have a role model of faith. It was reckoned as his righteousness. Do we dare follow his example?
Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 33: 4-5, 18-19, 20, 22
He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. (5)
Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, (18) to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. (19)
In the Lord’s love, righteousness and justice are synonymous!
Second Reading: Second Timothy 1: 8b-10
Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
We have been saved not through our merit, but through Christ Jesus who called us and set us apart. We are urged to bear witness to our faith. The enemy is a defeated one and he has no power over us. When we live righteous lives, we empower the spirit in us to further galvanize our will. Our spirit must work in union with the Holy Spirit whom the Father has given to us. May we remember this every moment in every little decision we make. May we utilize our freedom to choose wisely. When we choose right, we will be able to see God’s plan unfold in our lives. For God’s plans are for our good. (Jer. 29:11)
Gospel: Matthew 17: 1-9
While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” (5)
The magnificence of this event must have remained in the hearts of the beloved trio. Peter, James, and John had witnessed the glory of God that day. Yet on the other mound where he was crucified, would they have been reminded of the Transfiguration? Would they have felt: “This is not it, it is not over yet! We know He is God and there has to be more… more meaning, purpose, a plan?” I am compelled to think so because that might have been on Peter’s mind when he ran right into the tomb on Resurrection Morning! Yes, there is a plan! A plan for our salvation and a future with hope!
Amen!
