Walking with Jesus: Second Sunday of Lent

For Sunday, February 25, 2024

Genesis 22:1-2, 9, 10-13, 15-18; Romans 8:31-34; Mark 9:2-10

Sometimes we come across an article, hear a story, or encounter information that has elements of a “eureka” moment: that is, finding or discovering something that brings to light an important truth of life — an aspect of life that “puts it all together.” Here is one I encountered in Teach, Delight, Persuade, a scriptural homily book:

Delores was a young girl who was blind. Her father was a kind and tender man who took great care of her. After several years, she was able to have an operation on her eyes that permitted her to see for the first time. One of the greatest delights of her new sight was just to look at her father whom she could see as a man of noble appearance. She watched his every look and action. When he smiled at her or put his arms around her, she felt utterly happy. One day, as she was holding her father’s hand, she told a friend, “Just think, I have had this father for several years and never really knew him.” [Her eureka moment and one for me too.]

Today we are witnessing “eureka” moments when Abraham proves his loyalty, obedience and love of God’s plan in his willingness to sacrifice Isaac; in Paul’s writing to the Romans explaining God’s total giving and love to humanity in sacrificing Jesus; and in God's speaking from heaven at the Transfiguration, telling us: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him.” [Mark 9:7] None of these writers or participants expected what would happen. They had no explanations except that God’s plan was for all people of all times. These events showed them graphically that God is in control and has everything worked out. The ultimate fulfillment is heaven for all who believe, have faith, trust God and live God’s love commands.

Moses starts off recounting Abraham’s faith journey culminating in God’s promise, “I will bless you abundantly and make your descendants as countless as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore; your descendants shall take possession of the gates of their enemies, and in your descendants all the nations of the earth shall find blessing — all this because you obeyed My command.” [Genesis 22:17] Not knowing what will happen, Abraham trusts that God will provide. This promise continues throughout the dramatic history of the nation, their slavery time in Egypt and God’s rescue bringing them through their countless doubts and failures to the Holy Land. God will and does provide in surprising and mysterious ways. What a Lenten reflection to realize God’s closeness; His care for each of us in our life journeys and letting us know we are important and needed as a valuable part of His plan … leading us to experience that God is love … loves us … and is leading us to our forever home: Heaven.

Paul tells us more about our God, His gifts and our living in hope. Even though we fall far too often … sinning time and again … God does not give up on us. Jesus proved this by accepting the horrendously cruel death on the cross. Why, one asks? To prove God’s love. We falter, we fail ... God’s forgiveness is endless and His love is unconditional. Am I grateful? Do I try to be? Do I consider the privilege that God cares for me that much … to love me at each point in my life?

Mark presents the Transfiguration account immediately after Jesus publically announces that “… the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days.” [Mark 8:31] Just think on this for a moment: This tells us not only what kind of Messiah/Savior Jesus is but also what kind of God we have. He’s not a God of potency or force or even spell-working, but a God of compassion and love who saves us by offering His only Son. God loves each of us that much. It is not about what I do, but seeing, experiencing and knowing that I’m loved. Now, what am I going to do about that?

So I reflect on:

• Did God speak to Sarah? If so, nobody seems to have written about that. Try writing what the angel would say about the impending events. How would hope come out of this?
• Isaac questions Abraham. We’ve experienced this often ourselves: Was I hearing God through this person? Did I doubt God’s presence? What was I afraid of?

Sacred Space 2024 states:

“The Transfiguration, which reveals something further of Jesus’ identity, comes immediately after the first prediction of His passion. Jesus was fulfilling both the Law and the prophets, but bringing them to a new place. We pray that we may be transformed and see beyond the suffering to the glory that Jesus promised.

“The reaction Peter, James and John had was one of attraction and terror. There was the reassuring voice of the Father: 'This is My Son, the Beloved, listen to Him!' Lord, you remind us of the glory You desire to share with us. May we have the faith to come down the mountain and continue the journey with You.”