Second Sunday of Lent

Reflection

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (MT 17:5)

In the first reading from Genesis, God’s promise to Abraham is the promise to each of us who go forth into the world with faith that God is with us. Like Abraham, each of us is called to build our own "nations" in the day-to-day realities of what is often the ordinariness of our lives. Unlike Abraham, these "nations" are not geographical, bounded by borders, or places of power and influence. The nations we build are found in the confines of our everyday lives, our families, our neighborhoods, our local communities. The loving relationships we develop and nurture with one another, within our families, in our places of work, or communities are all signs of the presence of God, who calls us to make known the transforming power of Christ.

Like Abraham, we set aside fear and anxiety, because the Spirit of God is with us. Like Jesus, we know the journey may include the cross, but that is not the end of the story. We, too, are God's beloved, called in Baptism to build "nations" of peace and harmony, life and generosity. Jesus calls us to arise, go forth and bring the Good News to all "nations."

Prayer

Our soul waits for the Lord who is our help and our shield. May Your kindness, O Lord, be upon us who have put our hope in You (PS 33: 20, 22). Lord, as I go about my day, please help me to always be mindful of Your presence and guidance in all that I do.

Elizabeth Mahoney, M’01, P’92 and Edward Mahoney, Professor of Religious Studies

Scripture

First Reading: Genesis 12:1-4a

Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1:8b-10

Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9

 

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website