As I meditate on the scripture readings from this second Sunday of Lent I, hear the call to change. From Genesis 12: 1-4 God calls Abram, “Leave your father’s house, go to the place where I will show you.” Abram leaves with faith in the assurance of God’s promise. “I will bless you.”

 

In the beauty of the Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17 1-9), Peter, captivated by the moment exclaims, “It is good for us to be here.” But as God speaks from the cloud, “This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to Him”; the disciples are terrified. Jesus is there for them telling them, “Get up. Do not be afraid”.

These words of Jesus are very comforting to me, for I realize that if I am to grow in faith, I must confront my inner darkness and weakness, embrace my sorrows and sufferings, and unite them to those of Jesus. In doing so, I can anticipate becoming light and look forward to the joy of resurrection.

 

I quote a sentence from the book “Eternal Echoes” (John O’Donohue, © 1999, p. 164) “At the heart of Christianity is suffering embraced and transfigured.”

 

My question for us to meditate upon is “Can we, as faith communities, journeying through this Lenten season, pray

“Lord, bless us with the courage to be light in a constantly changing world of materialistic values. Grace us to appreciate and protect the beautiful gift of Your creation. Bless us with ears to hear the cry of the earth. When we are blessed with the gift of the Eucharist, let us be like Peter and say, “Lord, it is good for us to be here”.

— Mariem Gill, PBVM Associate