READ
First reading: Gn 15:5-12, 17-18
Second reading: Phil 3:17—4:1
Gospel: Lk 9:28b-36
UNDERSTAND | By Father Greg Friedman, OFM
Having a purpose in life—it makes all the difference.
Some of us know our life’s mission early on: We’re committed to a career, family, using our talents in a particular kind of service. Others may take many years to find their path in life. Lent is a time when we re-affirm our Christian mission no matter what our individual vocations may be.
We hear stories this Sunday about mission. Abram is given his role as father of his people. On the mountain of the transfiguration Jesus appears with two great figures from Hebrew religious history, and Luke tells us Jesus spoke with them of his “passage”—his “exodus”—which was to come in Jerusalem. Luke undoubtedly wanted his Christian audience to reflect on their mission as well—to undergo the same “passage” from death to new life.
In our Christian communities this season we’re preparing with those who will be baptized at Easter. Let’s reaffirm our own Christian commitment as we pray and fast with them. We take heart from God’s presence with us in the covenant relationship of that baptismal commitment.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE AUDIO.
DISCUSS | By Father Dan Kroger, OFM
In the first reading, God tells Abram to prepare a sacrificial offering? Why?
In this week’s second reading, what does Paul urge his brothers and sisters to do?
According to the Gospel, who joined with Jesus in going up a mountain to pray? What happened there?
ACT | By Susan Hines-Brigger
In the Gospel, Jesus went up on a mountain to pray. In that spirit, try to take a break at some point today. Go outside or to a quiet space in your house and pray, journal, reflect on this week’s readings, or just sit in silence.
