Sunday, March 8, 2020

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

"Lent stimulates us to let the Word of God penetrate our life
and this way to know the fundamental truth: who we are,
where we come from, where we must go, what path we must take in life.”
​- Pope Benedict XVI

Life comes with changes and transformations. In the season of lent, we are invited to confront certain things that need to be changed or transformed in our life. But it is one of the most difficult decisions to make in life when we have become very comfortable with it: good or bad. With the leap of faith and unrelenting trust in God it is possible to be transformed. Just take a determined step!

Abram, in the first reading had to take the hardest decision in life by moving from his comfort zone (his native land) to an unknown place. Because he trusted and had faith in God he obeyed His instruction, hoping in His promises even though he wasn't sure and certain of the future. This was a massive transformation of his entire life. 

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, like Abram, God is calling you to make a decision and maybe a resolution in your life. There are certain behaviors, attitudes, characters, perceptions, etc. that are hindering your faith as a Christian; you need a transformation for the better. 

In our case, we are always looking for assurances, better options available, certainties in life. Indeed, Christianity is not about doing what pleases you, but rather doing the will of God in your life. This is what made Abraham great... Think about this... Your life must be transformed!

As we allow transformation to take place in our lives, Apostle Paul admonishes us in the second reading to bear our hardship for the sake of the gospel. We are not to trust in our own merits but on the grace of God, hoping in the immortality and the Resurrection of Christ. We must be thankful to God for calling us to holiness. 

Jesus is transfigured in the gospel to strengthen our hopes that if we rely on God the Father and do his will God will give a testimony of His approval and love for us. 

In this Lenten season make a decision and resolutions in your life. Be determined to become a better version of yourself as a Christian. Remember God has a plan for you. Open up to than plan! Meditate and reflect. Just pay attention and listen!

Jesus is calling you to offer your TIME, TALENT AND TREASURE to build our parishes. Please take Time and Talent sheet and see where you fit. 

”It takes volunteering to make our parish what it is.”
- Mike Baier

Think about this.

Love you. See you in Church.

Fr. Emmanuel

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Mount Tabor, site of the Transfiguration