To the test

Greetings on this the Second Sunday of Lent
Readings: Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Ps 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19; Rom 8:31b-34; Mk 9:2-10

Summary

Being put to the test is a complement. An athlete, a contestant, a grant applicant, a term paper submitter and every other competitive type of endeavor requires we put ourselves to the test. Who can say what we are capable of if we do not test the limits of our abilities and of our spirits?

In matters of the spirit everyone is called to some faith-necessary role to lead the many to the Lord. And this calling must be tested and tried.

Abraham and Isaac were put to the test. Yes, Isaac had a large test being the active participant and the potential victim. He could have declined. Abraham asked to do what no father should ever be asked to do. Sacrifice their sons. Do we not do this when we make the call to war?

Peter, James, and John were put to the test in the Transfiguration encounter. Can they understand? No. But they did come away with the test in their heart. The precursor to the test to come. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.

We can choose to focus on the large, singular, test Abraham was put to as if put to us. It is not. We are not called to face what Abraham faced. We have something more like that of Peter, James and John. To do the same as them:

1. So they kept the matter to themselves – ‘the test’ is yours and yours alone – unique to you and your calling.
2. Questioning what rising from the dead meant – the Resurrection can be defined BUT what does it mean to you?

These questions are challenging but interconnected. Your test is ALWAYS in relation to the resurrection promise.

The Father himself asserts the importance: Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”

Reflection

Do not make the Abraham calling which is dramatic and a large ask overshadow the basic message of your own calling in this life.

Personal Reflection

Twelve days until the Appalachian Trail. A call to experience primitive christianity. It is a test that belongs to me. It must have its relevance in the Resurrection. To arrive I must ponder as the Apostles were given to do.

First Reading

God put Abraham to the test. He called to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am!” he replied.

Responsorial

I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.

I believed, even when I said,
"I am greatly afflicted."
Precious in the eyes of the LORD
is the death of his faithful ones.

Second Reading

Brothers and sisters: If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?

Gospel Acclamation

From the shining cloud the Father’s voice is heard: This is my beloved Son, listen to him.

Gospel

Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry