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From the Pastor's Desk: February 28, 2021
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The readings for the Second Sunday of Lent capture the essence of the message that shapes the Lenten season, that is framed by two dramas - that of Abraham and of the Transfiguration. Abraham and Sarah are promised to become the parents of many nations through the covenant of the birth of a son- Isaac- and God commands to offer him as a holocaust. “Abraham! Abraham! … Do not lay your hand on the boy. Do not do the least thing to him. I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son.” We reflect upon the figure of Abraham at the beginning of every Lent precisely to help us to focus on our own faith, trust and obedience in God’s promises. Do we really stake our whole life on the Lord’s word?
The story of Transfiguration presents us with the powerful experience witnessed by Jesus’ closest disciples - Peter, James and John. Jesus’ clothes became radiant and He was speaking with Moses and Elijah, the greatest figures in Jewish history that represent the Law and Prophets and the voice of God the Father who spoke from the cloud, “This is my Beloved Son. Listen to Him.” The reason for the Transfiguration as the Glory of God is revealed in Jesus is ultimately to strengthen the disciples’ faith. This vision of Jesus’ glory, and how He wants us to share in it, is meant to give us hope to persevere in faith no matter what trials come our way. It is also what is meant to help us live Lent boldly and make the sacrifices necessary to come into greater union with the Lord. To take this to the next level of spiritual journey of Lent, is to listen to God speak, “This is my beloved Son, listen to Him.” God the Father, who calls us to listen to His Son, will listen to our prayers for all of the help we need to have and give us trust, obedience, and faith. These are important parts of Lent.
Both of these events show dynamic and action filled responses. They are meant to influence the way we live each Lent. Both Abraham and the disciples leave everything behind and follow – Abraham follows the voice of God and the apostles follow in the footsteps of Jesus. They trust, obey, respect, and put their faith in God, and in turn they experienced life changing circumstances. Lent is fundamentally dynamic. We are called to be on the move. Jesus never says to us, “Stay where you are,” but always, “Come!” and “Go!” and “Follow me!” And the journey to go with Jesus is not always comfortable, as He asks us to climb, to sweat, to work, and to leave our comfort zones behind.
As we come to Mass this weekend, we too leave so much behind us to focus of the Lord and the journey of Lent as the source of strength, summit and source of our faith. The Lord wants us to leave our comfort zones daily and make the greatest effort possible to make the Lenten journey a reality every single day. It is here that the Lord wants us to increase our faith in His promises, encounter His presence in the Eucharist, and in humility- allow Him to transfigure us. “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?”
"Christ takes nothing away, and he gives you everything. When we give ourselves to him, we receive a hundredfold in return. Yes, open, open wide the doors to Christ - and you will find true life" (Homily, Pope Benedict XVI, Mass for the inauguration of the Pontificate, 20 April 2005).
We are so glad to see more and more faithful return to Sunday Mass. I just want to bring to your attention that the social distancing and wearing facial covering is still in effect. To serve and be respectful to these guidelines and our arrangements, I kindly ask your collaboration to follow the usher instructions especially with the “sitting habits”. Let us be open to “scoop” over to make a room for somebody else. I would very much appreciate your support and collaboration.
Let our focus this week continue to increase our Lenten commitment to prayer as well as to “Turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel.”
Continue to pray for each one of us to have the Best Lent Ever this year!
With prayers,
Fr. Andy
