Gn 12:1-4a Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22 2 Tm 1:8b-10 Mt 17:1-9

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

There are three main topics I wish to address from the readings today. First, with Abram, God is sending him forth and blessing him. I believe that the sending forth is an important image. God did not only bless Abram but he charged him to “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.” God is asking Abram to not only believe in Him and accept His blessing but to be a sign of that blessing within the world. Jesus said the same thing when he tells the apostles that one must leave mother, father, brother and sister behind and come follow me. We are not asked, by God, to just sit around and soak up God’s blessings. We are asked to go out into the world and be true Christians and spread the Word of God to the ends of the Earth.

Leaving one's family and home behind is a journey. The Lenten season is a journey. We are walking the Way of the Cross with Jesus. We are asked to renew ourselves and prepare ourselves for the glorious coming of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I used to think of the Lenten season as sort of depressing because I had to give something up, but truly it is a wonderful season which enkindles in our hearts the desire to become closer to God. How could that ever be depressing or sad?

“Beloved: Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.” This opening line from the second letter of Timothy speaks to many happenings in my life right now. This message coincides with the journey. It is not an easy path we Catholics tread on. We must depend on the strength of God to see us through. We must recognize that without God’s help we can do nothing! This is especially hard for Americans. We are individuals. I learned what it is like fighting for the unborn while praying a rosary outside an abortion clinic in almost zero degree weather. I learned what it is like for those who defend the teachings of the Catholic Church every day of their life against friends and family. I discovered that it is far from easy, but it is “our share of the hardship for the gospel.” I must remember that I can not even try to bear my cross without Jesus’ help and guidance.

Finally, there is the Transfiguration. This is a glimpse of a promise made by God to save the world through his Son. If ever there was doubt in the apostles’ mind that Jesus was the Son of God, it was most likely erased at this moment. The part that sticks out most in my mind is when Jesus tells them to “Rise, do not be afraid.” To me this means that we should not be afraid of the message God is sending us. Too often do we hear the Word of God and not listen. Too often do I hear the Word of God and do nothing about it. We must not be afraid of the journey God is calling us to partake in; we must rise to the challenge and seek strength in God, for God does not give us anything we can not endure. God Bless.