Second Sunday of Lent Year A: The Tranfiguration

On this Second Sunday of Lent in Year A (March 1, 2026), the Catholic Church invites us into the mystery of God's call and the revelation of Christ's glory through the Transfiguration. The readings are

- First Reading: Genesis 12:1-4a – God calls Abram to leave his homeland, promising to make him a great nation and a blessing to all peoples. Abram obeys in faith, setting out without knowing his full destination.

- Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22 – A hymn of trust in the Lord's faithful word, uprightness, and loving kindness toward those who hope in Him.

- Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1:8b-10 – Paul urges Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel or of suffering for it, reminding us that God has saved us and called us to holiness through grace revealed in Christ Jesus.

- Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9 – Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John on the mountain, His face shining like the sun, with Moses and Elijah appearing. A voice from the cloud declares, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." The disciples are awestruck, and Jesus instructs them not to tell anyone until after the resurrection.

These readings center on faith in God's call and encountering divine glory amid hardship. Abram's radical obedience mirrors the Lenten journey of leaving behind comfort zones to follow God's plan. The Transfiguration offers a glimpse of Christ's resurrection glory, strengthening the disciples (and us) for the path to Calvary. Paul's words remind us that our calling is not based on our merits but on God's grace, even when it involves suffering or uncertainty.

In this Lent, as we reflect on these Scriptures, the world faces profound turmoil. Recent events—the major attack on Iran and the reported death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—have escalated tensions in the Middle East, with strikes, retaliations, and widespread uncertainty. Lives have been lost, families grieve, and the threat of broader conflict looms. Such violence reminds us of humanity's fragility and the consequences of sin, division, and the rejection of peace.

Yet, the Transfiguration speaks directly to these dark moments. Just as the disciples were terrified by the divine light and the voice from heaven, we too can feel overwhelmed by worldly chaos. Jesus touches them and says, "Rise, and do not be afraid." This is our Lenten invitation: to rise from fear, listen to Christ, and trust in God's ultimate plan of salvation.  Many Protestants claim that saints are "dead." We see in the Transfiguration that they are not.  The appearance of Moses and Elijah shows that the saints are a live an well and part of the Catholic Church.  

As Catholics, we are called to be instruments of peace. Lent urges us to deepen prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—not only for personal conversion but for the world. In light of these grave events, we must intensify our prayers for peace in the Middle East and beyond. Pray for an end to violence, for wisdom among leaders, for healing of the wounded, and for the repose of the souls of the departed. Pray especially for the people of Iran and all affected nations, that God's mercy may prevail over hatred.

May the Lord who called Abram in faith, who revealed His glory in the Transfiguration, and who calls us to holiness grant us the courage to listen to His beloved Son. In doing so, may we become bearers of His peace in a wounded world.

Let us pray: Lord, make us instruments of Your peace. Amen.

Second Sunday of Lent: Look Up and See!

March 16, 2025, is the Second Sunday of Lent in the Catholic liturgical calendar (Year C), and the readings for that day offer a profound opportunity for reflection, especially during this season of penance and preparation. Below is a reflection based on the readings assigned for that date, drawing from the Lectionary for Mass (Cycle C): Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Psalm 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14; Philippians 3:17—4:1 (or 3:20—4:1); and Luke 9:28b-36. These texts focus on faith, transformation, and the promise of God’s presence—perfect fuel for a Lenten journey.

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Reflection: Seeing and Listening on the Road to Easter

Lent is a time to strip away distractions, to look inward and upward, and to listen more closely to God’s voice. The readings for March 16, 2025, invite us into this dual act of seeing and hearing, revealing how God’s promises unfold in mysterious, transformative ways.

In the first reading from Genesis, God calls Abram to “look up to heaven and count the stars, if you can.” It’s a moment of breathtaking wonder—God promising Abram descendants as numerous as the stars, despite his old age and Sarai’s barrenness. Abram doesn’t argue or doubt; he puts his faith in God, and that trust is “credited to him as righteousness.” Then comes the strange, smoky scene of the covenant—fire passing between split carcasses, sealing God’s pledge. It’s raw, unsettling, and real. Lent asks us to look at our own lives with that same raw honesty: Where do we place our trust? Can we see God’s promises even when the path feels dark or absurd?

Psalm 27 echoes this trust with a cry of confidence: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?” It’s a plea to see God’s face, to dwell in His presence, and to wait patiently for Him. In Lent, waiting isn’t passive—it’s active hope, a stubborn refusal to let despair win. When life’s shadows lengthen, this psalm reminds us to keep looking for the light.

Paul’s words to the Philippians shift our gaze higher still. “Our citizenship is in heaven,” he writes, urging us to stand firm amid a world obsessed with earthly things. He’s blunt: some live as “enemies of the cross,” chasing what fades. But we’re called to a different vision—Christ will “transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body.” Lent isn’t just about giving up chocolate or screen time; it’s about realigning our focus, letting go of what weighs us down, and trusting in that ultimate transformation.

Then comes the Gospel—the Transfiguration. Jesus takes Peter, John, and James up the mountain, and suddenly, He’s radiant, dazzling, flanked by Moses and Elijah. The disciples are awestruck, sleepy, and terrified all at once. Peter babbles about building tents, wanting to freeze the moment. But a cloud descends, and God’s voice cuts through: “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” Look and listen—there’s that Lenten call again. The glory is real, but it’s not the end. Jesus is headed to Jerusalem, to the cross. The disciples can’t stay on the mountaintop; they have to follow Him down into the valley.

What does this mean for us, mid-Lent 2025? Maybe we’re like Abram, staring at a sky full of impossible stars, wondering if God’s promises hold. Maybe we’re like the disciples, dazzled by glimpses of grace but unsure how to respond. Or maybe we’re just tired, trudging through penance, needing a nudge to keep going. These readings say: Keep looking. Keep listening. God’s covenant isn’t cheap—it cost Abram a sacrifice, Jesus a cross, and us our comfort. But it’s unbreakable. The stars still shine. The voice still speaks.

This Lent, let’s dare to look at where we’ve settled for less than God’s vision. Let’s listen to Jesus—not just the glowing mountaintop Jesus, but the one who walks toward suffering and resurrection. Because that’s where He’s leading us: through the cross to a glory we can barely imagine. As Paul says, He’ll transform us. As the psalmist sings, we’ll see His goodness. And as Abram learned, God keeps His word—even when we can’t count the stars.

Lately, we have been experiencing many astronomical events. From the planetary alignment, to asteroids passing too close for comfort to the recent "Blood Moon," These signs show the awesomeness of God's creation. Yet, there is more to existence than these. We must look up at God and focus on Him solely. Today's readings remind us of this.