This week we are continuing our Lenten journey together. Today’s readings are moving us into a deeper experience with our Lord. Last week we talked about truly believing in God. This week we move into the subjects of Faith and Obedience.
Our first reading from Genesis tells the familiar story of Abraham being ready to willingly offer his long awaited son Isaac up as a sacrifice to God. Notice that Abraham does not question God. He simply does what God has asked. There is another part of the story which many over look. Here we have Isaac, who most theologians believe is around 13 or 14 years old. Notice that he does not run away from Abraham as he begins to realize who the sacrifice is actually going to be! He willingly submits to his father’s will and allows himself to be given up as a sacrifice. God sees the faith of both individuals and sends an angel to stop the sacrifice.
All of this is a foreshadowing of our Lord Jesus and how God gave us His only begotten Son, and how this Son willingly gave Himself as the final and ultimate sacrifice for all of us. This is incredibly powerful to think about. St. Paul reminds us that if God is for us, who can be against us?
Finally we have a mind blowing event in the Gospel reading. Peter, James and John witness some of the glory of our blessed Lord shining forth in a blinding light. Moses and Elijah appear and they represent the Law and the Prophets. This shows how Jesus is the fulfillment of both the law and the prophets as His majesty shines forth. Jesus tells Peter, James and John not to say anything until He has risen from the dead. Imagine being at that scene. I doubt they could describe it in words at all.
One common thread is found in all these readings and that is to have faith, and obey the word of the Lord, even when it is not easy. As Catholics we stand for something in a world that often falls for anything. So this week reflect on how you can obey God better, read His words, spend time in prayer and increase your own faith. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you and perhaps you too will see Jesus in a brand new blinding light that will leave your soul speechless. Something to think about, and may God richly bless you always…
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