Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 2nd Sunday of Lent: February 25, 2024

Gen 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18: This passage always brings fear to my heart, as I ponder Abraham’s and God’s willingness to sacrifice their sons. As I contemplated anew how Abraham could sacrifice his son, it came to me that Abraham considered his son, Isaac, as belonging more to God, than to himself. Additionally, Abraham knew that he (Abraham) belonged to God, as well. Hence, we see Abraham’s docile and trusting obedience to God… the Creator to Whom Abraham and Isaac both belonged. Abraham, in his great trust and faith, was willing and able to sacrifice to God his entire health, happiness and all that he held dear, in obedience to, and with trust in God. Do we have this kind of trust?

Psalm 116: “I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.” Reflect upon the level of faith and trust in God. Are we able to believe in and trust in God, even in times of illness, stress and spiritual or physical affliction? As the psalmist describes, our compassionate God values, treasures and respects the strength of trust and faith of serenely faithful disciples who might then be facing the ultimate affliction… imminent death!

In the next verse, the psalmist expresses the humble thanks of a servant for “liberating” them; presumably from the “bondage” or “slavery” associated with limiting conditions related to sin: illness, anxiety, guilt and other consequences of sin. In the final verse, the psalmist publicly makes vows of obedience, trust and loyalty to God; alluding to the reciprocal character of the Covenant relationship that God has established with us.

Romans 8:31b-34: St. Paul enhances our focus on the spiritual fortitude necessary to have serene trust and confidence in God. This confidence and trust must be well grounded by a level of mature faith, that transcends “temporarily difficult earthly realities.” Despite whatever currently stressful circumstances that we might be facing; a soul with firm faith and confidence in God will maintain composure and a degree of calmness; even while facing significant stressors.

Reflect that the decision to have faith and trust in God isn’t easy. However, making the decision to trust God does bring a measure of peace, while deciding not to trust God has the opposite effect. Deciding not to trust God can bring only anxiety, fear, uncertainty, anger and constant stress and unhappiness. It seems inconceivable that people could choose to turn away from God, yet misguided and prideful people do, every day! Let’s pray that all be compelled to trust God and follow God’s Way.

Mark 9:2-20:  Does it seem out of place to have the account of the Transfiguration, now, after we’ve been focusing on trust in God and total submission to our Father’s Will? Not at all! In this passage, the “spotlight,” God’s glory, is literally lighting Jesus up, for a reason! The reason is: to illumine for us, Jesus as the perfect example of total trust and obedience to God. Now, let’s do our Heavenly Father commands. Let’s listen, obey and trust Him! Let’s follow Jesus’ powerful example, as our Lord and Savior. Let’s submit all and be willing, as Abraham and Jesus were, to give up all, in order to enter God’s Kingdom. We must give our all!
 
Deacon Matt