Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Lent year A
Theme: The Christian Call
Gen. 12:1- 4A 2 Tim. 1:8B-10 Mat. 17:1-9
On this second Sunday of Lent, the readings present an insight about our Christian call, as seen in the call of Abram in the first reading. The challenges and difficulties that are associated with the Christian call are seen in the second reading. 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 must pay for bearing the name Christian. This is because the glory that awaits us as Christians, if we remain steadfast to the end, is more than the difficulties that we will encounter on our journey of faith.
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 task, this is because he does not even know what awaits him in the new place that God is directing him to go to. Often, as human beings it is always a difficult decision to take when we must leave our comfort zone to face something new. The action of Abram is what some people will refer to as blind faith– taking a leap into the dark. However, Abram responded by obeying God and he was richly blessed by that singular decision and action. This goes to show that, obedience to the word of God brings us blessings, peace, and joy. Just like in the case of Abram, most times God moves us away from our comfort zone and we must make sacrifices to fulfil his will. The good news is that at the end of it all, we will be glad that we obeyed him. 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 prize, we must pay for our choices to be Christians and disciples of Christ. St. Paul in the second reading reminds us of the sufferings that are attached to our calls as disciples. This reminder is very important 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 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 because of our calls to discipleship, we have God on our side; he accompanies us all the way and we will not be 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 God’s glory that is seen in the Transfiguration story in today’s gospel. The 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 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 second Sunday of lent that we need to reflect on. The question is: 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 always obedient to his word. In the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you!