Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for Second Sunday of Lent:  March 13, 2022

Gen 15:5-12, 17-18: Today’s first reading recounts God’s Covenant with Abraham; wherein God promises Abraham a son, numerous descendants, as well as a large amount of land. Abraham’s expression of faith in God’s promises was “credited to him as an act of righteousness,” or was recognized by God as a virtue in Abraham that fulfilled requirements or necessary conditions for a more intimate relationship with God. This formal relationship with God was enacted as a reciprocal relationship, with mutual expectations that was formalized by the ritual sacrifices described in this passage. Abraham’s strong belief and faith and willingness to obey and live by the rules of the Covenant put him in a very intimate relationship with God that afforded Abraham unique privileges, rewards and graces. Via his faith and obedience, Abraham is a privileged soul. This week we might reflect upon how faithful and obedient we are to God’s Commandments and how we might improve our souls.

Psalm 27: “The Lord is my Light and my Salvation.” This beautiful psalm is one we should all memorize to recite or sing in current and upcoming times of trouble or when we’re feeling afraid. This song expresses our confidence and trust in God. These lyrics truly admit our total dependence upon God for light, hope, wisdom, love and protection. Our longing for an intimate relationship with God is expressed in the second verse. The psalmist yearns for God’s responsive compassion, love and attention. The hole in each of us, that can only be filled by God, is suggested in the third verse. Finally, the song ends with a profession of faith and trust in God that is reminiscent of Abraham’s faith in today’s first reading. The psalmist exults with confidence that God has promised us good things and that God will deliver!

Phil 3:17-4:1: Today, St. Paul invites the Philippians and us to imitate him and other faithful disciples. They’ve set an example or model for us, of what it means to live Christian lives that will lead to our resurrection from the dead and reward of everlasting life with Jesus. We’re reminded that turning away from, or actively opposing the Christian message will result in death and damnation for those who embrace the temptations and allurements of the world. St. Paul, loving to the end, mourns for those who reject salvation. We must remember this and follow Paul’s and Jesus’ example: Love the sinner, but hate the sin. We must pray for sinners’ conversion rather than anticipate with vengeful hearts, their destruction. What joy there is in Heaven and on Earth over each sinner, who is saved! We are all unworthy sinners. Let’s humbly pray for all to be redeemed.

Luke 9:28b-36: After witnessing Abraham’s privileged and intimate interactions with God in the first reading, we now see Jesus’ intimate conversation and relationship with God and with holy men, like Moses and Elijah. We also see that Peter, James and John and by extension of the faith, we are also invited into deeper, more intimate relationships with God. We are adopted as God’s children and Jesus’ siblings, via our baptisms and our reception of the other Sacraments. The Sacraments reflect God’s generous offer of closer relationships with us. Are we making ample efforts to avail ourselves of God’s benevolent offer? Are we receiving the Sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist, frequently? Are we working hard enough to improve our souls, such that our relationships with God are becoming more respectful and loving? Lent is a time to be transformed!

Persevere.
Deacon Matt