My Sisters and Brothers:
I believe today’s Scriptures outline three important points very relevant to our lives of faith: first, God has a plan for us; second, we need not fear responding to the demands of the plan, and third, we are expected to live out the plan with holiness and with a sense of purpose. Of course, to each of these we are called to respond faithfully, each in our own personal ways. And isn’t the Season of Lent a great time to reflect upon God’s plan for us? During these days, isn’t it a good idea to contemplate our fidelity to what God calls us to be and to do?
God has a plan for us! In today’s first reading, God called Abraham to follow him. He had a plan for him! And so God promised Abraham “a great nation would be made of him, and he would be blessed” (see Genesis 12:2a). This also meant the faith and the holiness of Abraham wouldn’t be limited to himself but would be passed on those who came after him. God said to Abraham: “All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you” (see verse 3). These blessings then, first given to Abraham as he responded to God’s plan, continue to fall upon us. Therefore, as God sent Abraham into the world, he also sends each one of us, and according to that same plan! And just as Abraham responded in faith, and inasmuch as we are part of his family and form “all the communities of the earth,” so must we respond faithfully to God’s plan for us as well.
We need not fear responding to the demands of God’s plan for us! The story of the Transfiguration of Jesus is recounted in today’s Gospel (see Matthew 17:1-9). According to the account, the Apostles Peter, James, and John went up upon a mountain and were given a spectacular vision of the Christ in all of his glory. The experience filled them with both excitement and tremendous fear, for in it they realized the magnitude of God’s plan for them. And through it, they further understood the great sacrifices they would have to make as true disciples of Jesus, and on their way to share in his glory. For this reason, God said to them: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (see verse 5b). The Gospel tells us when they heard the voice of God “they fell prostrate and were very much afraid” (see verse 6). But even so, and in what I believe are some of the most important words from today’s Gospel, Jesus said to them: “Get up and be not afraid!” (see verse 7). I believe these words were meant for all of Jesus’ followers, including us! Like all the faithful who’ve come before us, we’re called to overcome our fears as we respond to the demands of the Christian life. If we do so, the Gospel promises we will then receive every grace we need to remain faithful to God’s plan. Then we will be empowered to endure the sacrifices and sufferings required before experiencing the glory God has planned for us! We need not fear!
We are expected to live out the plan with holiness and with a sense of purpose! In today’s second reading, Paul proclaimed to Timothy: “God has saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design!” (see 2 Timothy 1:9b). With these words, Paul encouraged Timothy to remain faithful to God’s plan (i.e., “design”), and as such he reminded him to maintain a life of personal holiness as he responded to his calling. This was an obligation placed upon all those who had been saved by Jesus, and so it remains an obligation for us as well!
Let’s never forget God has a plan for us, we need not fear responding to its demands, and we are expected to live it out with holiness and with a sense of purpose. And so, in this Season of Lent may we renew our resolve to follow whatever God wishes for us our in our lives. My friends, like Abraham, Peter, James, John, Paul, Timothy, and all other holy men and women who have come before us in faith, may we always remain faithful, and never be fearful, as we follow “God’s plan” for us!
Praise God! Friar Timothy
No comments:
Post a Comment