On this 2nd Sunday of Lent, the readings gives us an insight about our Christian call. The Christian call, as seen in the call of Abram in the 1st reading. The challenges and difficulties that are associated with the Christian call is seen in the 2nd reading from St. Paul’s 2nd letter to Timothy. Lastly in the gospel, we see the Transfiguration story that reveals the true person of Christ and his glory. Thus, in the liturgy of today the church is strengthening our faith and trust in God, not minding the price we have to pay for bearing the name Christian. This is because the glory that awaits all the Christians who will remain steadfast to the end, is more than worth all the stress and difficulties encountered.
In the first reading of today we see the call of Abraham our father in faith. His call is quite a challenging one. This stems from the fact that he was mandated to leave his home and people to an unknown land that God will show him. You will agree with me that it is a very difficult situation, this is because he does not even know what awaits him in the new place that God is directing him to go to. Often times, as human beings it is always a difficult decision to take when we have to leave our comfort zone to face something new. The action of Abram is what some people will refer to as blind faith. However, Abram responded by obeying God and he was richly blessed by that singular decision and action. Obedience to the word of God brings us blessings, peace and joy. Just like in the case of Abram, most times it moves us away from our comfort zone and we have to make sacrifices like Abram to accomplish the will of God in our lives. The good news is that at the end of it all, we will be glad that we obeyed the word of God; this is because the outcome of our obedience to God will overwhelm us.
It is important for us as Christians to always remember the fact that there is a price we must pay for our choice to be Christians and Disciples of Christ. St. Paul in the 2nd reading reminds us of the sufferings that are attached to our call to discipleship. This reminder is very important to us as Disciples of Christ. This is because no matter how careful we are, our lives cannot be devoid of such challenges and difficulties from time to time. We can see that in the life of Jesus Christ himself. His life was not a bed of roses! His challenges actually started from birth until he went to Calvary and won salvation for humanity. Let us be strengthened by the fact that as we go through these difficulties and challenges as a result of our call to discipleship, we have God on our side; he accompanies us all the way and we are not overwhelmed. Jesus has shown us the way to follow, let us remain steadfast in times of trials and difficulties, so that at the end we can enjoy the blessings of God that are meant for the children of God.
Our ability to remain steadfast to the end of our earthly pilgrimage, will make us partakers of Gods glory that is seen in the Transfiguration story in today’s gospel. On the mountain top, a place of encounter between God and his people. The true identity of Jesus is revealed to his three Apostles that went up the mountain with him. A voice is heard in the cloud that enveloped them, “this is my beloved son. Listen to him”. This is God the Father revealing the true identity of Christ to his Apostles. They were privileged to see Christ in his glory. They were overwhelmed and Peter wanted the experience to remain permanent; not knowing that the event is preparing them for the future events both in the life of Jesus and in their lives as his Apostles.
There is an important question on this 2nd Sunday of lent that we need to reflect on, do you listen to the word of God and act on it? It is my prayer that God will grant us the grace to be obedient to his word at all times. Pe