Listen

2nd Sunday of Lent
08 March 2009



Come, today, and listen to his voice: do not harden your hearts.

First reading Genesis 22:1-2,9-13,15-18
God put Abraham to the test. ‘Abraham, Abraham’ he called. ‘Here I am’ he replied. ‘Take your son,’ God said ‘your only child Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There you shall offer him as a burnt offering, on a mountain I will point out to you.’

When they arrived at the place God had pointed out to him, Abraham built an altar there, and arranged the wood. Then he bound his son Isaac and put him on the altar on top of the wood. Abraham stretched out his hand and seized the knife to kill his son.

But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven. ‘Abraham, Abraham’ he said. ‘I am here’ he replied. ‘Do not raise your hand against the boy’ the angel said. ‘Do not harm him, for now I know you fear God. You have not refused me your son, your only son.’ Then looking up, Abraham saw a ram caught by its horns in a bush. Abraham took the ram and offered it as a burnt-offering in place of his son.

The angel of the Lord called Abraham a second time from heaven. ‘I swear by my own self – it is the Lord who speaks – because you have done this, because you have not refused me your son, your only son, I will shower blessings on you, I will make your descendants as many as the stars of heaven and the grains of sand on the seashore. Your descendants shall gain possession of the gates of their enemies. All the nations of the earth shall bless themselves by your descendants, as a reward for your obedience.’

Psalm or canticle: Psalm 115:10,15-19

Second reading Romans 8:31-34
With God on our side who can be against us? Since God did not spare his own Son, but gave him up to benefit us all, we may be certain, after such a gift, that he will not refuse anything he can give. Could anyone accuse those that God has chosen? When God acquits, could anyone condemn? Could Christ Jesus? No! He not only died for us – he rose from the dead, and there at God’s right hand he stands and pleads for us.

Gospel Mark 9:2-10
Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became dazzlingly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them. Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter spoke to Jesus: ‘Rabbi,’ he said ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say; they were so frightened. And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and there came a voice from the cloud, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.’ Then suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them any more but only Jesus.

As they came down from the mountain he warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They observed the warning faithfully, though among themselves they discussed what ‘rising from the dead’ could mean.

Reflection
By Elizabeth R. Eguia

On the day of the Transfiguration of Jesus, the sky opened and a voice shouted,"This is my beloved son, listen to him."

It took me sometime again to know what to reflect and write on today's Gospel and so I prayed for divine intervention. I don't know the words that will suddenly be written but God supplied the message He wants to impart today. He is instructing us to listen to His Son because Jesus holds the keys towards eternal life.

Many times I have sinned. Many times too I have asked God for forgiveness. After being sorry, sometimes I don't know how to start again. Then I discover what should be the next step to do...that is TO LISTEN. To listen frequently to God's Word, to meditate on it, and to act on it. When I confessed my sins, I am in a way transfugured, I am cleansed once again. But following the right path won't be that easy. There will be temptations, trials along the way. This is the reason why you and I have to be attuned to God's Word, to give us the strength to face all these. Listening is the key. I am blessed that my friend provided me with this internet link for El Shaddai Prayer Partners. I have been looking for this station for so long because it helps me go back to my senses. It gives me wisdom for daily living. It gives me encouragement to move on with life despite the trials. It helps me realize where I am now and what I should do. It helps me to be closer to God.






Heavenly Father, we praise and thank You for another week to reflect on Your Good News. Thank You for providing the message You want to impart to me and to all who are reading this article. Grant us the grace to listen always to You so we may always be on the right path. Be our strength as we are transfigured upon receiving the Sacrament of Penance. From this day forward, we humbly ask You to make our hearts a worthy dwelling for You so that our lives may glorify Your name in everything we do. In Jesus' name and in Mama Mary's intercession. Amen.