SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
the
Calling - the Experience - the
Conversion
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Jesus, the readings of the day speak about the
Calling (in other words God’s
leading), the Experience and the Conversion ( in
other words Transfiguration and
Transformation )
of our lives. We are invited to experience the glimpse of the presence of God
and thus complete transformation.
The mountain experience.
●
In the Old Testament, Moses was called up to the mountain
of Sinai, where he experienced the Presence of God, the Commandments of God and
the glory of God radiated in his face. (Exodus 19)
●
Prophet Eilijah also was led up to the same Mountain Sinai
(Horeb) where he encountered God in the still voice, light whisper. ( 1 Kings 19)
They were
led up the mountain to witness God’s glory and God’s Purpose.
Similarly in the Gospel of the day, Jesus led
the disciples up a mountain, Tabor. When He was transfigured they were astonished and feared
witnessing the glory of God and presence of Moses and Elijah who represented
Law and Prophets. In other words God’s message and God’s way of living. (God’s
Covenant and Covenantal life). Transfiguration took place
●
to discuss the Divine Plan of Salvation
●
to turn focus from Earthly glory to Heavenly Glory
●
to strengthen the disciples for the future
Challenges/future faith journey
That’s why even when Peter said Let us
remain here, Jesus led them to the base of the mountain. He led them to join
daily life, led them back to family and community. It was a wonderful, heavenly
experience but there is no staying in that moment. Sometimes we think, when
things are good we wish them to remain the same however life moves on. It does
not remain at one experience but changes. Therefore we too have to keep moving
forward with the strength of the lord.
In the first reading,
we hear the Call of Abraham. God called him and promised him abundant
blessings and through him to other people and nations also. But one requirement
is that he has to leave his family, and go to the land shown by God. he has to
go from familiar people to unknown people and known country to unknown country.
He had a lot of possessions, many relatives but lacked one thing in his life.
He does not have offspring of his own. He listened to the voice of God, first
thing he trusted in God’s word, then sacrificed everything, cut off all his
ties to the family and nation and set out courageously to the land shown by
God.
Thus he moved obediently from his place
to a new land. He was accordingly blessed and always protected.
2nd Reading:
In the second reading St. Paul too
invites us “ bear hardships for the Gospel '', that in our faith journey we may
face many challenges and sufferings but we have to courageously move forward
trusting in the Lord that he strengthens and supports us always.
And hoping in grace that we may be
transformed and drawn to eternal glory, a share in the radiance of God’s
glory.
It is said "This is my beloved Son,
with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." By listening only we will be able to walk in
his ways, therefore we have to listen to his words prayerfully and carefully;
accepting and applying it into our life. This way we can have direction and
strength to walk in his ways.
It's not easy to listen and walk, even
for Abraham it was not easy but listening and trusting in God he moved forward
with courage. God supports and supplies for us too in our journey.
Dear Brothers and sisters in christ
jesus, the time of lent is not just to participate in some prayers, praise and
worship alone but to remember that We are destined to share eternal glory, and mountain experience. Therefore the
reflection of the day is Call to Conversion, Call to Transformation and call to
change of our way of living and a call to move,
★
From unbelief to belief
★
From fear to courage
★
From unbelief to belief
★
From Suffering to glory
★
From hatred to love
★
From sins to Savior
★
From death to life
Holy eucharistic celebration helps us and
supports us in everything. So Let us listen to him and walk in his ways.
● Through the Holy Baptism,
we are transformed into children of God and share eternal glory through
sanctifying grace. We move from sin to new life
● Through the Holy Communion, we
are transformed into his abiding presence, as we receive we become one with his
body and blood and nourished spiritually.
● Through the Confirmation
we are transformed with the power of the Holy spirit and We are empowered in
our faith journey.
● Through Confession,
we are restored and transformed again to purity of body and soul and
transformed into a stronger and faithful relationship with God.
● Through the Anointing of the Sick,
we are transformed into Hope, courage and uniting us to christ the healer.
● Through
marriage, transformed into a union of faithful
love and service between the couple and to the Church.
●
Through the Holy
Orders we are transformed through the obedience
to the authority of the church in our lives.
కామెంట్లు లేవు:
కామెంట్ను పోస్ట్ చేయండి