CLIMB THE MOUNTAIN IN FAITH WITH JESUS
Second Sunday of Lent (Year A)
Gen 12:1-4a; Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20 and 22 (R.v.22); 2 Tim 1:8b-10; Matt 17:1-9
In Lent, we embark on a journey back to God our Father. Jesus’ coming is to aid us on that journey. We may not be sure of the way nor what we are to encounter but with Jesus as our guide, safety and comfort are assured. Therefore, we are invited today to trust Jesus and follow him faithfully up to the mountain.
Indeed, no one can embark on a journey back to God faithfully unless he truly believes in him. The call of Abraham in the First Reading gives us a wonderful example of this. The obedience of Abram in verse 4 – “so Abram went, as the Lord had told him” – is a result of his strong faith in God, that God’s promises (cf. Gen 12:2-3) shall come to pass.
Abram embarked on that journey to a land of uncertainty (see Gen 12:1) not sure where God was leading him to. That equally happens to us most often. Many times, we are faced with situations/sufferings that weigh us down and put us in the danger of losing our faith. St Paul knows that such situations are bound to come the way of a Christian and so encourages Timothy, in the Second Reading, to take such situations/sufferings as our share for the Gospel in the power of God (2Tim 1:8b).
“In the power of God” means that we are not going to carry it on our strength alone. God would always be there to assist us, but we must be able to reach out to take our cross and come after Jesus first (see Matt 16:24).
If Peter and James and John were not with Jesus at the Mountain, they might not have experienced the glory of God the way they did. Yet, to climb a mountain is not an easy endeavour. It takes strength and good health to accomplish that venture. But we cannot do without the Mountain because that is a place of encounter with God; a place of consolation from God. Notice how Jesus calmed the fear of his disciples, saying to them, “Rise, and have no fear” (Matt 17:7).
If you make Jesus your friend, he will lead you up to that Mountain just as he led Peter and James and John. And he will always be with you to soften your burden whenever you are troubled. So let us continue this pilgrimage of faith with Jesus on our side.
Note this! Fellowship with Jesus brings comfort (Matt 17:4), consolation (Matt 17:7), confirmation (Matt 17:3, 5) and contentment (Matt 17:4). If you want to confirm this, ask St. Peter what his experience was at Mount Tabor during the Transfiguration of Jesus.
Climb the mountain with Jesus; it is promising (see Isa 25:6-9). I wish you a joyful fellowship with Jesus, today and forever.
Happy Sunday dear. Peace be with you.
