Sunday Says Podcast – March 1, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflection

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Second Sunday of Lent

Lectionary: 26

Reading 1
Genesis 22:1-2, 9A, 10-13, 15-18

This first reading from Genesis is the pivotal moment when Abraham is put to the final test by the Lord. This is the Akedah, as the Jewish call it, the binding of Isaac where we see the ultimate faith that Abraham has in the Lord. After spending decades waiting for a son, the Lord gifted him with a Isaac, but now he asks for him to be sacrificed. Ultimately, this isn’t asking for sacrifice, but instead is asking for obedience. In return for his obedience, the Lord promises Abraham countless descendents.

Lent is a good time to remember that more than our sacrifices, the Lord wants our hearts, without reservation and with a complete understanding that He is Lord over all parts of our lives.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19

1. (116:9) I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.

 

Reading 2
Romans 8:31B-34

The second reading from St Paul’s letter to the Romans is a valiant declaration of the place the Lord has for His people. In the previous chapters we have heard of the unrelenting love offered by the Father that cannot be earned or bought. If you struggle with feelings of unworthiness and disconnected with the Lord, let this be of great encouragement to your heart. Let it be your battle cry through the spiritual warfare in this life.

Verse Before The Gospel
CF. Matthew 17:5

From the shining cloud the Father’s voice is heard:

This is my beloved Son, listen to him.

 

Gospel
Mark 9:2-10

This week’s Gospel from St Mark is the signature story of this week of Lent. We hear the familiar story of the Transfiguration of Jesus with the apparition of Abraham and Moses. Their connection is important to signify how Jesus is the successor of the same tradition, and His Transfiguration reveals His truly divine nature that is masked by His real human nature.

The part that is often overlooked is the apparition of the Father through the cloud similar to one of the experiences of Moses. We hear the voice of God command that we must listen to the Son.

As we continue in our journey through Lent, this is a compelling reminder that our devotions should point us towards a greater surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. If your Lenten sacrifices become more about the act, then you might reconsider how much it is actually helping your discipleship.

Gospel Meditation from Bishop Vásquez

Reflection question

Please consider using the following meditation for the Second Sunday of Lent (March 1):

• Like the Transfiguration, Lent is a time of transformation for us. Why not use Lent as a time to turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel?