“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
Reflections on the readings for Second Sunday of Lent (March 13, 2022): GN 15:5-12,17-18; PS 27:1,7-8,8-9,13-14; PHIL 3:17-4:1; LK 9:28-36
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
God is the only answer to all the fears that can overwhelm us. Though our faith we find peace in Him.
The second reading today comes from St. Paul who is writing to the members of the early Church in Philippi which he himself had founded. Paul loves this community and he is concerned that some “enemies of the cross of Christ” whose “minds are occupied with earthly things” are there. He does not want the Philippians to be distracted, but to “stand firm in the Lord.” He reminds them -- and us -- that “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with His glorified body by the power that enables Him also to bring all things into subjection to Himself” (Philippians 3:20-21). Paul’s reference to the “glorified body” of Jesus speaks of His Transfiguration as well as His Resurrection from the tomb three days after His Crucifixion, and His Ascension into heaven forty days later. More than that, all who follow Christ need to understand that we are also called to glory in Him and with Him for all eternity.
It is a wonderfully profound thought that we are citizens of heaven. Our days here on earth are transitory. Whatever our pain and problems, they will end. Whatever our pleasures and preoccupations, they too will cease. We must not shrink away from contemplating our death. In fact, it most appropriate to do so during this penitential season. If we are open to God’s grace and make a sincere effort to obey His will, we have nothing to fear. In today’s Gospel recounting the Transfiguration of Jesus, we hear the voice of His Father saying that this is indeed His Son. But He adds one more thought -- a direction to the Apostles as well as to all who believe in Jesus as Savior: “Listen to Him” (Luke 9:35). If we really listen to Christ who still shares His life with us, we will be able to walk after Him each day God gives us. Let us make an extra effort to pay attention to His words that offer us faith and hope in time -- and love for all eternity.
Suggested missionary action: We can take time today to consider the powerful Transfiguration story. We can recognize how we are all, each and every one, called to eternal life. Let us pray for our brothers and sisters in faith and for all those who do not yet embrace God’s love. And let us also pray for the missionaries who bring the Good News of salvation around the world.
