Second Sunday of Lent – Year C
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Sacred Tradition in our Catholic faith is the living transmission of the Gospel message and divine truths God has revealed to humankind. It encompasses the teachings, practices, and beliefs handed down from the apostles through the generations. Sacred Tradition works in harmony with Sacred Scripture to ensure that the fullness of God’s revelation is preserved and communicated to humanity. It is essential to understanding the faith, providing continuity, context, and guidance for living a Christian life. Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Tradition contain God’s revelation of divine truths to humanity as a whole. God also made private revelations to individuals or small groups. On this Second Week of Lent, the readings for today detail two such private revelations. God came to Abram, who was childless, in a vision and promised that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Abram put his faith in the Lord. In Luke’s account of the Transfiguration of Jesus, our Gospel for today, Sts. Peter, John, and James witnessed Jesus’ appearance change as He stood in divine glory conversing with Moses and Elijah. A cloud came and cast a shadow over them, “Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” —Luke 9:35. This revelation affirms the divine nature and mission of Jesus to the group of disciple and prepared them for the trials ahead, reminding them, and us, of the glory that awaits the faithful. The fullness of God’s revelation to all humanity is complete in the person of Jesus Christ.
In the readings chosen for this Sunday, the Church invites us to reflect on transformation and divine revelation. God’s faithfulness to His promises is unwavering. Abram’s trust in the Lord is a model for us; it encourages us to believe in the promises made to us through Christ. In the New Testament reading for today, St. Paul exhorts us to imitate him and to live as citizens of heaven, a challenge to evaluate our priorities and to align our lives with the values of the Gospel. Also, a reminder that in God, we place our hope and trust. In our moments of fear and uncertainty, we are reminded to turn to the Lord, who is our light and salvation.
Our faith journey is sometimes marked by moments of clarity, when God’s presence and assurances are revealed to us. Let us recall moments in life when clarity emerged from confusion or despair. Perhaps during a time of personal struggle, prayers, meditations or Sacred Scriptures led to a profound realization of God’s presence and guidance. As we continue our journey this Lenten Season, let us seek God fervently in prayer, the Eucharist, Reconciliation, and the Scriptures. Let us encounter God as members of the Body of Christ through fellowship, charity, service and community worship. Let us find God’s presence in nature and creation. The majesty of the natural world can lead us to moments of awe and contemplation and inspire a sense of gratitude and wonder. Each provides unique opportunities to deepen our relationship with God and experience His presence in our lives.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.