Second Sunday of Lent

03-05-2023Weekly ReflectionThe Faithful Disciple

GROW: As we enter the second week of Lent, today’s readings encourage us to place our trust in God when we are dealing with hardship or uncertainty. Last week, we heard about how Jesus resisted the devil’s temptations in the desert, trusting in the Father. This week, we follow Peter, James and John up the mountain, where Jesus “was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.” Jesus had told his followers he would suffer and die. The Transfiguration gave them a foretaste of Christ's glorious coming (CCC 554-56) As we continue on our Lenten journeys, we, too, can place our trust in the Lord. Though we may experience hardships and perhaps even doubts, the Transfiguration reminds us that Jesus has gone before us and prepared a place for us. As Pope Francis reminds us, “by his Transfiguration [Jesus] invites us to gaze at him. And looking at Jesus purifies our eyes and prepares them for eternal life, for the vision of heaven” (Homily, March 2014).

GO: We Catholics like to pray out loud. Whether we’re singing the “Holy, Holy” with gusto or quietly reciting the rosary, most of us can say with confidence, “we have a prayer for that.” And, of course, prayer is one of the three pillars of Lent (along with fasting and almsgiving). Today’s account of the Transfiguration instructs us pretty clearly to listen. As Jesus is transfigured, the disciples hear a voice from the cloud: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” As we enter the second week of Lent, many of us have chosen something to “give up” or done something more proactive. Either way, today’s readings remind us to enter this penitential season with open hearts – and open ears. We can listen to Jesus by studying Scripture, being especially attentive to the Sunday homily, or quietly soaking in his presence through eucharistic adoration. 

PRAY: Try driving with the radio off this week. Use the time to pray and “listen” to Jesus.