Homily for Sunday 2^nd Sunday of Lent

Readings: Gen 15: 5- 12,15 -17; Phil 3:17-4:1, Lk 9:28-36

Heed the Lord and live

Our journey in suffering with the Lord continues. As we follow him in these tempting times, disappointments and frustrations are common. We might feel let down by what we meet and probably envision ahead of us. We can fall back and leave the way of the Lord.

Today’s gospel is a testimony of that. Having explained to his disciples about his forthcoming death, the disciples fell let down and are downcast because this is against their expectation of the messiah. In an effort to keep them with him, Jesus takes some among his disciples to the mountain. As was the tradition and common understanding among Jews, the mountain was a place where God appeared to his chosen ones. Jesus is transfigured to show that even in death he shall be glorious and therefore the disciples did not have to worry. Of particular importance are the affirming words that were heard from heaven; “This is my beloved son, listen to him”. These are the words that we all need to keep in this lentern season.

Abraham is an example of a believer who heeds the voice of the Lord and believes. By the word spoken from the mouth of the Lord, Abraham believes that he shall be the father of a great nation; and so lived his life with that promise in mind.

In the second reading Paul exhorts Christians who heed his message by imitating his very example. The mission he was sent to do is said to be successful only after seeing how much of an example he has been to his listeners and the people heed his message.

Lentern season is a time to listen to Jesus and take his example in suffering. As given in scripture and the church teaching, we all need to align our life to his and so be his true imitators in suffering so as to be with him in his glory.  

Let us all heed the message of Jesus and accompany him in his suffering which will win for us the salvation of our souls.