As we continue our Lenten journey into the Second Sunday of Lent, our readings for Mass highlight the presence of God in our lives and remind us of the glory to come.
Reflecting on the readings
The first reading from Genesis 15:5-12; 17-18 relays how God promises Abraham countless descendants and vast land from Egypt to the Euphrates.
Such promises are only possible because of the transformative power of God and because of the covenant made between Abram and the Almighty.
In the second reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 3:17-4:1, we are encouraged to imitate those who follow Christ.
Paul reminds the early Christians that our citizenship is in Heaven and that Jesus will transform us if we stand firm in faith.
The Gospel from Luke 9:28b-36 recalls the Transfiguration of Our Lord on Mt. Tabor as the pivotal point of Christ’s public ministry that begins shifting His focus towards Calvary.
Peter, James, and John are privileged to witness the miraculous transformation of Jesus and the appearance of Moses and Elijah.
Then they hear a voice from a cloud that proclaimed, “This is My chosen Son; listen to Him.”
The Church gives us this Gospel, after last Sunday’s Gospel of Jesus’ temptation, to give us hope, to show us where we’re going on this Lenten journey, and indeed, on this life journey.
It is important to always remember that the cross is the ladder that leads us to the resurrection and that the penance we willingly embrace opens us up to the glory of God.
The Transfiguration is really about transformation, that we who live this life in Christ now in this valley of tears — in this struggle that we call our earthly journey — that if we are faithful, we too will be glorified one day as Christ is revealed in His glory — both on Mount Tabor and in the fullness of the Resurrection.
Finding God
As we embark on our Lenten journey, we are encouraged to recognize the presence and power of God evident in our daily encounters with Him through the people and events which are opportunities to deepen our relationship with God.
The first step of the Walking With One initiative is identifying someone in our life who needs Christ.
Just as Jesus identified Peter, James, and John as men who He wanted to form and lead into relationship with Himself, so too the Lord wants to do the same through us.
Look strategically and spiritually at the people we encounter in everyday life who may be lost, struggling, or estranged from the Church — family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
Identify the one person you are called to accompany into a fuller relationship as a beloved son or daughter of Our Heavenly Father.
Let us always remember that Jesus wants us to bring that person back to Him so that the glory of God may be made manifest to others.
We live in a broken and wounded world that needs God’s redemptive love and mercy.
There are countless souls desperately in need of inner transformation — heart, mind, and soul.
May the Lord use us as witnesses to hope and healing during this Jubilee Year to reach those who need to be rescued and redeemed and be brought to the fullness of life in Him.
This Lent, learn how to accompany one other person on the journey toward a deeper relationship with the Lord.
Michael D. Wick is the director of mission for the Diocese of Madison.