First Reading: Genesis 22:1-2, 9A, 10-13, 15-18
Reflection:
The binding of Isaac that we hear about in this Sunday’s first reading is a profound account of the great faith of Abraham and a foreshadowing of the offering of God’s only-begotten Son on the cross. The background to this account is the miraculous birth of Isaac. Sarah, Abraham’s wife, was old and barren. Still, God promised them a son and that through this son and his descendants God would bring blessing to the world. Although Sarah and Abraham were skeptical of having a son at an old age (Abraham was 99 and Sarah was 90!), they trusted God. Miraculously, God allowed Sarah to conceive and bear Isaac. When Isaac was a grown man, God then asked Abraham to do what we hear in this first reading. This must have sounded crazy! Isaac was the promised son, Abraham’s “only son,” and now God was asking Abraham to kill him! But Abraham had such great faith in God that he said “yes” to God’s request. In fact, he believed that even if he killed Isaac, God could raise him from the dead. Abraham passed the test and evidenced his complete trust and surrender in the Lord. Isaac also evidenced faith by willingly going along with what his father asked him to do (for example, he carried the wood and allowed Abraham to bind him). Of course, God stopped him from actually killing Isaac and provided a ram instead for the sacrifice. We can follow Abraham’s example by fully surrendering ourselves to the will of God. These events prefigure God Himself willingly sacrificing His “only son” and Jesus faithfully and willingly carrying the wood of the cross to calvary.
Second Reading: Romans 8:31b-34
Reflection:
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” is an encouraging thought! God wants what is best for us. He has in store great things for each of us. Thus, we have nothing to fear if we trust in Him. God loves us so much that He “did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all.” In the first reading, God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son as a test of Abraham’s faith. In the end, God stopped Abraham from going through with it. Yet, God Himself went through with sacrificing His only Son, Jesus Christ, on the wood of the cross. Why? Because He loves us and wants to have a relationship with us. Sin separates us from God, but through Jesus’ death on the cross and glorious resurrection He offers us grace and forgiveness. God gave everything; in fact, He gave Himself for us, in order that we may be saved. Will we trust and follow Him? If He went as far as giving His only Son for us, how much more will He provide for all of our needs? Jesus intercedes before God for us. He can bring us into right relationship with God, removing the sin that separates us. Let us, therefore, turn to God and trust Him for all our needs. He wants to provide for us. He wants to forgive us. He loves us and wants us to love Him back. Will you turn to God this Lent?
Gospel Reading: Mark 9:2-10
Reflection:
The Gospel this Sunday recounts the Transfiguration of Jesus. Here, the glory of Jesus was revealed to Peter, James, and John (Jesus’ closest followers), as it would later be shown to all after Jesus’ resurrection. Moses and Elijah appeared, representing the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) of the Old Testament, so their appearance makes evident Jesus’ connection with the Old Testament story that He came to fulfill. As was typical, Peter spoke on behalf of the others at this event. Yet, his suggestion of pitching tents evidenced his lack of understanding. He was interrupted by the magnificent revelation coming from heaven. The words, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him” must have echoed in the minds of Peter, James, and John for the rest of their lives. These words definitively revealed Jesus’ identity. He is the Son of God! The command to “listen to him” is a call to faith and obedience. We too should “listen” to and trust Jesus.
Application:
- Will you trust and obey Jesus in your everyday circumstances? What do you need to surrender to Him? Go to prayer, asking Jesus what He is calling you to do, and follow Him. He won’t lead you astray!
