Sunday of the 2nd week of Lent Year C
Theme: Loyalty to God
The loyalty of Abram to God attracted the blessings of God to him. A blessing, that is beyond his human imagination. As humans we know what it means to have a friend that is loyal at all times, no matter the situation. No one jokes with such a friend, when you are fortunate to find one; let alone God who knows the heart of everyone. To confirm his promise to Abram, he enters into a covenant with him. He is ever faithful to his promises and never disappoints those who trust in him; he is a covenant keeping God. Dearly beloved in Christ, the 1st reading today encourages us to emulate the loyalty of Abram and experience the awesome blessings of God, just like we see in the life of Abram. There is no better friend to be loyal to than to God Almighty, he is ever faithful, tested and trusted.
In the 2nd reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Paul warns us to guide against ‘stomach infrastructure’ and rather embrace the cross of Christ. St. Paul is simply saying we should guide against the comforts that the world offers and aspire after what God is presenting to us in his cross. The cross may come as a difficult option for so many of us, because it comes with discomfort, unlike when one is concerned with going along with the ways of the world. However, because our goal is to make heaven, St. Paul encourages us to remain steadfast in faith and strive to walk through the narrow path that leads to life. This is because in the cross is our peace, joy and salvation. Let us trust on God’s grace and invite him to make our journey of life with us, as we walk through that narrow path that will lead us to salvation.
In the gospel reading, St. Luke shares with us the scenario of the Transfiguration on the mountain when Jesus went up to pray with Peter, James and John. An experience, that confirmed to his followers that were with him the glory of God and the true identity of Jesus; as revealed by the voice that came out of the cloud. My brothers and sisters in Christ, we are privileged people as Christians to have such a God as our father. Let us resolve today to embrace his ways as presented to us in the 2nd reading by St. Paul and journey through that narrow path that will lead us to salvation at the end of our mortal life. This is a major decision we need to make in our journey of faith, if we truly desire to be one with God.
May God grant us the grace to be steadfast in faith at all times. Peace be with you.