2nd Sunday of Lent Year B
Readings: Genesis 22:1-2.9a.10-13.15-18 Romans 8:31b-34 Mark 9:2-10
Theme: A resolute faith in God
Our liturgy on this 2nd Sunday of lent invites us to build a strong faith in God, no matter how difficult the situation we find ourselves in life. This is very important, as we can see in the 1st reading for this Sunday. God is very appreciative each time we show him that we trust in him and have a firm faith in whatever he presents to us at any point in time in our lives. We see the appreciation of God towards Abraham in today’s 1st reading because of his faith in God. Abraham was ready to sacrifice his only son Isaac because God commanded him to do so, and God was very pleased with his faith and promised him more blessings as he also spared the life of Isaac. The attitude of Abraham is saying a lot to you and I as Christians and children of God. The first thing is that we have to emulate the faith of Abraham, no matter our situation in life. God will never disappoint us; he is always faithful to his promises. The second thing we have to learn is obedience to the word of God at all times. His words will never lead us astray, even when we may not really understand it fully. Faith and obedience to God will attract the blessings of God beyond our expectations.
In the 2nd reading from the letter to the Romans, we are presented with a wonderful message of hope. The author asks us a very important question, “if God be for us, who can be against us?” The most important thing is for us to ensure that God is for us, and then we can continue to live our lives without fear. Faith and obedience to God like Abraham have shown us in today’s 1st reading, is one of the ways we can be rest assured that God is for us. This season of Lent presents us a wonderful opportunity to lead good and holy life that will strengthen our faith and belief that God is truly on our side. My brothers and sisters in Christ, we all need God on our side if we truly want to attain salvation at the end of our earthly pilgrimage. It is very clear that it is only God that has the final say on issues pertaining to all of us. In view of this, our desire at all times should be directed towards doing things in our daily lives that are pleasing to God.
In the gospel reading from St Mark, we see the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain top, a place of encounter between God and his people. Jesus was transfigured and the Glory of God was revealed. An encounter that strengthened the faith of Peter, James and John. Although they may not fully understand what they experienced on the mountain. The glory of God is all over all those who have faith in God and also obey his word. We are all encouraged on this 2nd Sunday of Lent to make effort and have God on our side.
May God grant us increase in faith and the grace to obey his word at all times. Peace be with you. Amen.