Walking with Jesus: Second Sunday of Lent A

For Sunday, March 1, 2026

Genesis 12:1-4, 2 Timothy 1:8-10, Matthew 17:1-9


When you were a child, what did you dream of becoming? We didn’t get television until I was about 7 or 8, so I was deprived of cartoons and concentrated on heroes in the comics like Straight Arrow, the Phantom and the Lone Ranger. I envisioned myself a cowboy hero: riding horses, being a hero in all my rescues of good people and catching outlaws and criminals. How that developed into the priesthood is a head scratcher. I really enjoyed going to Church and being an altar boy and a choir boy. Other dreams came and went with a mild wind. As far as my studies were concerned, I liked History and Math: more dreams. Days, relationships, learning, and various experiences color our dreams and develop into reality. God graces us — chooses us with His gifts to realize He is in our lives, every day, all the time.

Today’s first reading tells us something about Abram (Abraham), but it tells us even more about the Plan of God. God’s plan and promise is a place for each of us in heaven forever. Abram is the one chosen by God to pull up stakes and move to a different place which will be filled with God’s promises. This really helps Israel envision their God as their own God who has chosen them. Now, contemporary societies of that era don’t move away from their patriarchal fathers’ homeland without a serious reason like war or famine. Here, however, Abram’s reason for moving is that he is directed by God to do so. (And, fittingly, we call him the “father of our faith.”)

The ancients believe their land is under the jurisdiction of a variety of gods. So when Abram moves, will His God remain with him or will the land be controlled by other gods? This is a fear in the minds of Abram’s clan and just another reason for him to be the father of our faith. God’s promise is fivefold:

• “I will make you a great nation.”
• “I will bless you.”
• “I will make your name great.”
• “I will bless those who bless you.”
• “I will curse those who curse you.”

God promises that they will be a grateful nation (a belief remaining common to the Jewish people today). God makes another promise that seems unusual: He promises that Abram and his descendants will be mediators of God’s blessing to others. Jesus tells us that He graces us to live holy lives, to have faith following the commandments, to help others — and to share with all who are in need. He says the same to you and me. How am I doing? Is it all about me? Or do I realize that my gifts are given to care for others?

Note: Take time to read Psalm 33. Containing various themes, it opens showing ancient Israel’s faith in God which is rooted in the truth of God’s word, the faithfulness of God, the justice of God’s covenant and the steadfastness of God’s love (not only to Israel but to us too).

Paul urges Timothy to realize that it’s not going to be smooth sailing: Many misfortunes and difficulties will come when we are faithful to the Gospel, especially Jesus’ commands concerning love. Paul advises each of us that when we are faithful — when we love, without favoritism, without prejudice — when we simply love and care and forgive — that is God’s call to holiness. None are excluded; we love all.

To be holy is not easy. We have a natural tendency to do what “I want to do” so often. That is Satan distracting and confusing us about the basic tenet of love: that we are to BE love.

Matthew gives us a wonderful description of Jesus’ Transfiguration — theophany, a self-manifestation of God. There are two components: Jesus Himself and the experiences of the Apostles. It takes place on a mountain. Now, the ancients believe that high mountains are the dwelling places of gods. There is a mighty attraction to go to mountains — they have a majesty to them; a special, awe-inspiring magnificence. On this mountain Jesus is transformed before them. What does this mean? The greek word metamorphoo can refer to a change of state in being. The scholars believe that Jesus’ transformation is not the future glorification of Jesus but Jesus’ inner reality, shining forth and transfiguring His outer appearance. Let me explain it in a different context: Think of a time when we have stopped to help or care for a person in real need. We experience a glow — like we’re doing something really special — maybe we see this in their smile or thankfulness. Isn't that the love within us shining through us? God is love, and we can only do this through God’s gift of love. God is in us each moment of our lives, right? Right!

From the cloud, God identifies Jesus as Son and gives authority to His teaching. Jesus then returns to His normal appearance. Think on this: The transfigured Jesus is identified as Son of God, but He will be raised from the dead as Son of Man. Though very different, both titles boast an aspect of divinity.

So I reflect on:

• I imagine how I would reflect on the sudden, dazzling light of the Transfiguration. Would I listen to the voice from the cloud? Would I try to explain it, or would I be grateful?
• I’m called to be a saint; God never leaves me alone. Do I ask for help? Why or why not?

Sacred Space 2026 states:

“Jesus has invited a few of His closest companions to make their way up a high mountain where, before their eyes, He is transfigured. As you imagine it, Jesus has included you in this wonderful experience. Why, first of all, has He opened up this encounter for them? Perhaps more importantly, you might like to ask Him why He has made you privy to the same fantastic privilege.”