Genesis 22.1-2 ,9a, 10-13,15-18・Ps.116. 9+12, 16+14・Romans 8. 31b-34・Mark 9. 2-10
The 2nd Sunday of Lent offers us plenty of points to ponder in order to understand more the meaning of our Christian Faith. Let us reflect on faith and obedience, Christian sacrifice and trust in God and His plan.
We have today the narrative about Abraham`s unwavering faith and obedience to God. We may not have acquired the kind of faith with such depth as that of Abraham, and the kind of obedience He has as well, but the depth of Abraham`s faith and obedience are worth considering for each one who wishes to live a life in Christ. The lesson we can get out of Abraham`s faith and obedience is that in faith-ing, a complete trust in God`s plan is necessary. The unending mercy and abundant love of God is the basis of our faith. In every step of our way we put our trust in God who knows all. (everything).
Abraham has well expressed the depth of his faith and obedience. His sense of sacrifice in response to God`s call may be unthinkable for us BUT it was his. Following the history of God`s plan of Salvation too, we come to know too that Jesus has made the ultimate Sacrifice, and we can further realize that Jesus Himself is in fact the ultimate Sacrifice. While at the same time we are all encouraged to re-define our understanding of Christian sacrifice, we all do have a calling to offer a certain amount of sacrifice in our daily living.
Therefore, as to what extent we can consider a certain sense of sacrifice daily for the sake of the Gospel, is the important point for our reflection today. With courage we envision ourselves not afraid anymore to have less of the things of this world. The love of God and his unending mercy and providence remain.
With the impending passion and death of Jesus on the Cross, the disciples of Jesus with Peter in the mountain experienced a so-called uniquely privileged experience of God`s glory. Their unique experience was brought about by the love of God to them in order to lessen their anxiety for the forthcoming passion and death of Jesus on the Cross, at least in their time. Another lesson we can get out of intently reading or listening to our Gospel Reading today is that of a unique experience we can have in authentic Christian living. Openness to authentic Christian living bears fruits of God`s love and providence. This is our modern uniquely privileged experience of God`s glory in spite of unrest in our hearts and in the society, and maybe despite our hypocrisy and our mediocrity in loving others as we love ourselves.