Second Sunday of Lent
Also Read: Mass Readings for 16 March 2025 Sunday Reflection by Mike – 16 March 2025
First Reading: Genesis 15: 5-12, 17-18
Father in Faith!
On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.” (18)
Lord God blessed Abram and promised his descendants the land; even before Abram had a son! The great father of our faith models for us how we are to live out our faith! Based on the promises of God, Abram moved houses and lands, possibly through tough terrain; but we know from his life how he remained steadfast in his faith.
Today, we thank Father Abraham, and we ask the Lord to grant us the grace to walk in faith even when we can’t see the whole picture. We know the master painter will colour the canvas of our lives like a masterpiece we couldn’t have ever imagined. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 27: 1, 7-9, 13-14
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (13-14)
Amen!
Second Reading: Philippians 3: 17 – 4: 1
Citizenship!
But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. (20-21)
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. (4:1)
St. Paul urges us to stand firm in the Lord! He reminds us that our citizenship is not of this world and, therefore, being in the world, we cannot be conformed to this world. (Rom 12:2) We may rejoice in the gifts God has bestowed on us here, but we may not be misled by them – remember Eve in the garden? (Gen 3: 1-7)
Instead, let us look to the New Eve, Our Mother Mary, and stand firm as we journey through this beautiful world created by the Lord God. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 17: 5
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!”
Amen!
Gospel: Luke 9: 28b-36
Transfigured and Transformed!
Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” (35)
The transfiguration of Jesus Christ transformed the eye-witnesses! They not only “saw” but they also “heard”! This Lent, let us rend our hearts that we may “see” and “hear” when the Lord seeks to transform us!
“Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.” (32) It is striking to note that this detail is clearly described here! Even though they were bogged down with sleep/fatigue/ etc, they managed to keep “a watch” and were able to witness the Lord’s Glory! In moments of our weaknesses, we ought to remain watchful! We know how much we may have suffered the consequences of ‘a spur of the moment’ incidence! In a fit of anger, we may hurt and loose valuable relationships, or a moment of greed could take us down selfish roads we may never have thought about before!
Let us guard our thoughts, indulgences, and emotions that may trigger our vices or weaknesses. Not only in this season of Lent but through the year, let us remain faithful in ‘watching’ and be transformed in the Light of the Lord!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
