Dear brothers and sisters, today’s readings invite us to reflect on faith, transformation, and our ultimate destiny in Christ. We hear the story of God’s covenant with Abram, St. Paul’s call to heavenly citizenship, and the glorious Transfiguration of our Lord on the mountain. These three passages speak to us about God’s promises, our journey of faith, and the vision that sustains us in difficult times.
In our first reading, God calls Abram to look up at the sky and count the stars. This powerful image reminds us of God’s faithfulness and His promise of countless descendants. Abram, though he had no child of his own yet, believed in God’s word. His faith was credited to him as righteousness. But notice that Abram also asks God, “How am I to know that I shall possess it?” This question reflects our own struggles in faith. We trust God, but at times, we seek reassurance.
God responds by making a covenant, a solemn agreement. The smoking fire pot and flaming torch symbolize God’s presence, moving between the sacrificial offerings. This ancient ritual signifies that God binds Himself to His promise. He is not distant or indifferent; He is committed to fulfilling His word.
For us today, this passage invites us to trust in God’s plan even when we cannot see the outcome. Life is full of uncertainties—illness, loss, struggles—but just as Abram had to trust beyond what was visible, so too must we place our faith in God’s faithfulness. His promises never fail.
In our second reading, St. Paul contrasts two ways of living: those whose focus is on earthly desires and those who live as citizens of heaven. He warns against being consumed by worldly concerns, describing those who make their stomach their god and glory in things that should bring shame. It is a reminder that Lent calls us to refocus, to detach from the distractions of the world, and to set our hearts on what truly matters—our relationship with Christ. St. Paul encourages us: “Our citizenship is in heaven.” This is a profound truth. We are not just people of this world; we are destined for something far greater. Christ will transform our lowly bodies into the glory of His own resurrected body. This promise gives us hope. The struggles of this life—our pains, our trials—are not the end of the story. Something infinitely greater awaits us if we remain faithful.
The Gospel presents the breathtaking scene of Jesus’ Transfiguration. Peter, James, and John witness His face shining like the sun and His clothing dazzling white. This moment reveals Christ’s divine glory, the glory that was always His but now made visible. Moses and Elijah appear, representing the Law and the Prophets, confirming that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises.
St. Peter, overwhelmed, suggests building tents to remain in this moment. But his focus is misplaced. The Transfiguration was not meant to be a permanent stay but a revelation to strengthen the disciples for what was to come—Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection.
The voice from the cloud declares, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” These words echo Jesus’ baptism and affirm His divine authority. They also serve as an instruction for us: Listen to Jesus. In our prayer, in Scripture, in the teachings of the Church—are we truly listening? Or are we too distracted by the world?
The season of Lent is a journey, much like the journey of Abram, the Christian pilgrimage that St. Paul describes, and the disciples’ walk with Jesus. It is a time to deepen our faith, trust in God’s promises, and fix our eyes on heaven. There are couple messages to Our Lives.
- Trust God’s Promises – Like Abram, we must believe in God’s faithfulness, even when we do not see immediate results.
- Live as Citizens of Heaven – Lent reminds us to detach from worldly distractions and focus on the eternal.
- Listen to Jesus – Through prayer, Scripture, and the Church, we must open our hearts to His voice.
As we continue our Lenten journey, may the vision of Christ’s glory sustain us. May we walk in faith, trust in His promises, and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter.