FROM THE PULPIT SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR B, By Fr. Benoit Mukamba, CSSp.
-
FROM THE PULPIT
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR B
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 22: 1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Psalm 116; Romans 8: 31b-34; Mark 9: 2-10.
REFLECTION: JESUS, VICTIM AND HIGH PRIEST.
Fr. Benoit Mukamba, CSSp.
“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?”
The second reading of this Sunday’s liturgy opens us the door to understand the inner meaning of the Scripture passages proclaimed to us this Sunday.
In the story of Abraham, God put him to the test of faith and love by asking him to offer his own beloved son in sacrifice to God. Abraham passed the test brilliantly. He proved his trust and love to God. For Abraham’s son, Isaac, in the absence of a lamb for sacrifice, he surrendered himself, accepting death as victim for the sacrifice. It was at this point that God decided to speak to Abraham saying “Do not lay your hand on the boy. I know now how devoted you are to God”, “I will bless you abundantly…” Referring ourselves to the words of Saint Paul Apostle to the Romans 8: 31b-34, God went beyond his promise of abundant blessings to Abraham to the ultimate blessings to us all. He offered His only begotten Son Jesus as victim at Calvary for the salvation of the whole world. God is far better than Abraham in his love for us.
The story of Isaac’s sacrifice inspired the Early Christians to grasp God’s hidden message in the past that has come to light in the paschal events of the suffering, dying and rising of Jesus Christ. Just like Isaac, Jesus surrendered to the will of His Father to be a victim for the remission of the sins of the world.
Mark the Evangelist tells us that before the day of Jesus’ sacrifice came, Jesus took three of his disciples up a high mountain. There, the disciples saw a transfigured Jesus in extremely white clothes which means Jesus revealed himself as the High Priest per excellence. He converses with Elijah and Moses. For Moses and Elijah had spoken about Jesus in a veiled way to Israel throughout the centuries as testified in the Hebrew Scripture (Old Testament). With the full revelation of Jesus Christ, Christians are able to interpret Moses (The Pentateuch) and Elijah (The Prophets). The disciples not only saw Moses and Elijah, but heard God’s voice declaring Jesus as divine whose words require heeding ear and obedience. “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Like in the days of Moses, a cloud appeared announcing the presence of God.
“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?” The words of the Apostle Paul boost confidence in the most provident and loving God. They launch us into actions of faith, love and service to God and fellow human beings. Beloved in the Lord, we have heard what God has done for each one of us. We have seen the testimony of Abraham and Isaac. Now, what is our personal response to the action of God in our favor? As believers in the Lord, we are called to resemble Christ Jesus so that people may see the face of God.
Lent is a time for us to take a critical look at our way of life and actions. We ought to consider what we have to do to conquer selfishness and sin in our own lives. God’s grace is always at hand to enable us to give of ourselves to the wellbeing of others. The various devotions and corporal acts of mercy practiced during Lent are meant to help us to deepen our commitment to the Lord. Through faith that enables us to do God’s will, something amazing happens in us manifesting the beauty of God like in Jesus’ transfiguration. Let us pray that the Spirit of God may dwell in us transforming us in the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ.
