Newsletter Second Sunday of Lent (February 25th 2024)
The readings for the 2nd Sunday in Lent Year B
· Faith and Obedience: The first reading from Genesis highlights Abraham’s unwavering faith and obedience to God, even when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. This narrative underscores the depth of faith and trust in God’s plan, despite not understanding it fully.
· The Suffering and Glory of Christ: The Gospel from Mark describes the Transfiguration of Jesus, revealing His divine glory. This event foreshadows the Paschal Mystery—His suffering, death, and resurrection. It also affirms Jesus as the beloved Son and the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets, represented by Moses and Elijah.
· Victory Over Suffering: The second reading from Romans emphasizes that with God on our side, we can face any opposition. It highlights the victory over condemnation through Christ’s intercession, reflecting on the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for our salvation.
· Reflection and Anticipation: The readings collectively invite believers to reflect on their journey of faith, anticipating the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises through the resurrection of Jesus. They encourage a deep trust in God’s plan, even amidst trials and sufferings.
The reflection below is from the students in Colaiste Chiarain who are doing the Pope John Paul 2 Awards
Our first reading from Genesis, recounts the ultimate test of Abraham’s faith, where he obediently prepares to sacrifice his son Isaac as commanded by God. At the last moment, God provides a ram for the sacrifice instead, reaffirming His covenant with Abraham, promising blessings for his obedience and descendants as numerous as the stars.
Our second reading, from St. Paul’s letters to the Romans, reassures believers that nothing can separate them from God’s love. If God is for us, who can be against us? Christ, who died for us and intercedes for us, ensures our victory over any accusation or condemnation.
Our Gospel reading, from Mark, describes the Transfiguration of Jesus, where he is seen in radiant glory alongside Moses and Elijah on a mountain. This event affirms Jesus’ divine nature and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in him. Peter, James, and John witness this extraordinary moment, and Jesus instructs them to keep it to themselves until after his resurrection.
This weekend, two years ago, we were all shocked as we saw the beginnings of the war in Ukraine. A senseless war that has seen so many people displaced, so many needless deaths and the destruction of a country. Since then, we have seen war in the news every day, most recently the Middle East.
These terrible wars opened my mind to realise and acknowledge the many smaller, unreported wars that are also affecting people throughout the world.
We are living in very strange times, in a very fragile world, where power and greed seem to be the things prioritised by so many. Today is a good day to remember that it is through respect, love care and concern that we truly build a sustainable world, A world where every life matters, where those of different faiths and beliefs can live in harmony with the wish of a peaceful, loving and accepting community for all.
Today I pray for World leaders, politicians and leaders of all kinds that they have the courage speak out when they see wrong, to vote for the betterment of all and to be a voice of peace, compassion and care for all.
I invite you to pray with me,
the Prayer of St. Francis.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen
Related Posts
About The Author
