As we enter fully into our Lenten journey together, we are asked to focus our walk on prayer, fasting and alms giving. Each of these items challenge us to look deeply at ourselves. In our first reading from Genesis, we have something very mysterious happen to Abram. God makes a covenant with him and tells him that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars. Now remember the story of Abram. He was not given any sons until well into his old age. However, he stood on his faith and the promise God made to him. He was not disappointed as the covenant did in fact come to pass. He is known throughout our world as the great father of faith to three major religions. Judaism, Christianity and the Moslem people all regard him as the father of their faiths and his name was changed from Abram to Abraham, which means the “father of many”. We too need to stand on God’s promises for us and trust in Him for He is ever faithful.
However, it doesn’t always happen in our time. God is not a drive – thru window where we place our order and wait for instant results. We pray for His will to be done not our own. That is what Faith is about. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Let us all ask God to help us in our own unbelief so we can grow strong like our friend Abraham. St. Paul takes us further in our second reading by challenging us to live as he does. We need to follow his example and to stop being worldly minded. Lent is a time to reflect on who we associate with and receive counsel from. Do they believe what you believe? Do they value what you value? Something to think about.
Finally we have the Gospel, and here St. Luke gives us his depiction of the Transfiguration. Imagine being in prayer with our Lord and a cloud envelopes you and you see Moses and Elijah, who represent the Law and the Prophets, then a voice says “this is my Son listen to Him”. Wow! Talk about an incredible prayer experience. It blew their minds! They were having trouble even speaking. So this week, ask God for an increase in Faith. Stand firm on the scriptures and our Church’s teachings, and allow this new walk with God to totally envelope you, like a cloud. Try some prayer time alone with the God of the universe…It will do you good…May God richly bless you always…