Reflection for March 8, 2009   

The Second Sunday of Lent 

"Faith, Trust, Obedience"

The first reading for this Sunday (from Genesis 22) reveals the powerful relationship between God and Abraham. This relationship, forged by covenant many years before, needs few words for understanding. “Abraham”, God says with affection. “Here I am”, Abraham replies. A command is delivered: to take his long-awaited, precious son Isaac and “offer him up as a holocaust.” Abraham’s faith, trust, and obedience propel him forward. Contrary to human expectations, he sets the steps in motion to embrace God’s order. He “reached out the knife to slaughter his son.” Is this ultimate faith and trust or extreme folly? Has God given Isaac to him only to remove the gift ensuring Abraham’s legacy? In the very act of complying with this awful command, Abraham hears again, “Abraham”. The thrust of the knife stops abruptly as he reiterates, “Here I am.” Abraham’s willingness to give even his own son is rewarded. He withheld nothing. God accepted his willingness and gave everything.  “…in your descendants all the nations of the earth shall find blessing.”

The responsorial psalm, “I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living” (Psalm 116), echoes the exultant cry of Abraham as he returns home with Isaac and with God’s promise, “I will bless you abundantly.”

The second reading (Romans 8:31b-34), goes beyond the reprieve of Isaac to the sacrifice/death and resurrection of God’s only son. God”…did not spare his own Son.” If this “God is for us”, our faith should be strong, our trust complete and our obedience ready: “Here I am.”

In the Gospel story (Mark 9:2-10), Peter, James and John share a unique and puzzling experience. Singled out and presented with a frightening revelation, Peter feels impelled to speak about doing something for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. Instead, they are exhorted by the voice of God, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” In turn, Jesus warns them not to speak of the experience until “the Son of Man had risen from the dead.” In faith, trust and obedience, they “kept the matter to themselves,” sharing the depths of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection as they had shared those moments of transfiguration.

Reflection by SC Associates Patricia and Frank Devaney