Ash Wednesday, our Lenten Journey was launched. We received ashes as a symbol of our sinfulness, of our tininess before God.
Even as the readings of the First Sunday of Lent remind us of our state as beings created in the image and likeness of an ever-loving God, we are encouraged to face our sinfulness, to discover who we really are in the hands of our love-God.
In Deuteronomy, just before they cross the Jordan to enter the Promised land, Moses set before his people two choices: ‘life and prosperity, or death and adversity”. Whichever choice they make will be the fulfilment of life in the Promised Land. Similar choices are before us as we continue our spiritual journey during Lent.
The readings of the First Sunday of Lent recall the first disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve. For that, they were exiles from the Garden of Eden. Then in the Gospel, we relive the temptations Jesus faced during his forty days in the desert. Jesus, steeped in the history of his people, countered the sentiments of the devil with texts from the Scriptures. He returned from this desert time strengthened and energized to undertake his mission of salvation of the world.
As we pursue our journey, guideposts along the way will surely direct us on the right path to the beauty and joy of the Resurrection at Easter. In solidarity with our fellow travelers, we have only to keep our ears and eyes to recognize the calls on the road to salvation.
“Have mercy, O Lord, for we have sinned. . .. Restore to us the joy of your salvation.” (Psalm 51)
Second Sunday of Lent -March 1st
Today the Gospel readings are taken from St. Matthew chapter 17. It opens with the account of the Transfiguration after which Jesus had announced his carrying of the cross, to suffer, be put to death and rise again.
We see the intimacy of Jesus when he chose three of his apostles, Peter, James and his brother John to pray with him on Mount Tabor. He took them apart from their daily lives, so they could really discover who Jesus is as the ‘Messiah’ and also to hear God’s voice.
When Jesus was being transformed, alongside were Moses and Elijah (Represents the Law and the Prophets from the Old Testament) his clothes turned into radiant light with divine glory.
Then suddenly, a loud voice came from a cloud that overshadowed them, and resounded saying;
‘This is my Son, my Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him’.
God communicates to people in different ways so then, we must listen attentively. Here Jesus reveals his heavenly splendor. He prepares his disciples by strengthening and awakening their faith so they would be able to face what is coming in the future; his passion and crucifixion. He wants them to listen to him.
I invite you to find a quiet place to be alone, to reflect and read the Word of God. Wait for the Lord to speak, let it transform you. Do like Peter who wanted to stay on the mountain. Try to listen to Jesus with an open heart,
he still speaks words of love, compassion forgiveness and peace. He is near us because He loves us with no conditions or limits.
As you meditate this scene, take Jesus as your model, follow him, carry your everyday crosses, and ask him to give you courage to willingly embrace your trials, pain and sufferings during your life time. So let us walk in faith during this lent, open our ears and listen to Jesus and deepen our faith, get closer to Him and experience His presence. May we trust in God and let Him guide us during this Lenten journey. There is so much that the Beloved can do for us.
‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.’ Luke 11:9
