Second Sunday Of Lent
Also Read: Mass Readings for 25 February 2024 Homily for 25 February 2024 – Sunday
First Reading: Genesis 22: 1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” (11-12)
In this great text, we contemplate the steadfast faith of Abraham! Our minds might be boggled at the length to which Abraham was ready to go, for the sake of obedience to GOD. Yet we learn many lessons layered in this narrative. God tested him (v.1) do we discern when God may be testing us? When God calls out to us, do we respond like Abraham; “Here I am.”? Have we ever taken even a small step in faith and received a blessing? When we align ourselves to the will of the Father we are sure to be blessed similarly.
In the verse not included in the reading today there is a noteworthy lesson too! – So Abraham called that place “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” (v.14) We must remind ourselves when we go to the mount of the Lord; it shall be provided! When our hearts are in alignment with God’s will, we will endeavor to go where He leads us and He will provide for our journey.
In Jesus’ Name; Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 116: 10, 15, 16-17, 18-19
I kept my faith, even when I said, “I am greatly afflicted” (10)
Amen.
Second Reading: Romans 8: 31b-34
He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? (32)
Through his letter to the Romans, St. Paul encourages us to remain steadfast in faith. We are to ask the Lord and He will provide whatever we need for our journey! Let us meditate and discern the depths of God’s love for us! Let us believe!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Gospel: Mark 9: 2-10
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. (2-3)
To see the Face of GOD while still alive on earth was unthinkable for any mortal, up until that time. But Peter, James, and John had witnessed just that. Terrified as they were; only Peter was able to react albeit without much thought! This trio of the closest apostles of Jesus now became the only ones alive to see and hear GOD! Having experienced divinity in person; we might have reacted similarly, not wanting to return to earthly reality.
We know that Moses had seen God. (Ex.34; 28-30) And Elijah had met God. (1Kings 19:11-18) Today JESUS is seen conversing with them on the Transfiguration mount! Peter, James, and John lived the rest of their lives with this sight of Heaven in their hearts. Christ Jesus is transfigured daily at Holy Eucharist for our sake. Do we see his glory?
Let us open the eyes of our hearts and ears of our spirits to see and hear the Lord GOD Almighty! Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, Amen! Amen, Amen!
