Second Sunday of Lent
Friends, what does it mean to be open to change by God? Who is God calling us to be? How can we respond?
Today's readings are of a well-known scene of the transfiguration in Mark paired with Genesis 22 and Romans 8. In the Gospel, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John. He is, by definition, changed in form. We hear God tell them, “This is my beloved son. Listen to him!” Alongside Jesus appear, Moses and Elijah, who are well known in our Hebrew Scriptures. These figures, including Abraham, whom we met in our first reading, were all changed by God. They each became the beloved figures that we know of. Their lives were difficult, as each faced challenges. Even Jesus, God’s beloved son, faced death, as Romans chapter 8 reminds us, “he who did not spare his only son.” Yet despite this, these figures all responded yes and trusted that God would transform them to serve him. Can you think of others who answered God's call in scripture or your life? How has their faith and desire to serve God changed them?
To respond to God is to be open to be transfigured by him. We may not entirely understand what we are answering to, which is what faith is for. To say “Here I am” even though the road ahead can be hard and unknown. Let us walk in faith into the mystery through which God transforms us to serve him and our world.
Prayer
Gracious God, transfigure us into the people you call us to be. Teach us to listen to your beloved son so that we may serve you and others. Open our eyes, ears, and hearts in faith to the mystery of who you are. May you call each of us, and may we answer, “Here I am!” Amen.
Rada Ruggles
Saint Michael’s College Alumni ’23
Boston College School of Theology and Ministry M.Div. ’26
First Reading: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
Second Reading: Romans 8:31b-34
Gospel: Mark 9:2-10
Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website
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