Father Michael's Thoughts This Week

 WEEKLY THOUGHTS SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT - MARCH 16, 2025

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Second Sunday of our Lenten Journey in this Jubilee Year of Hope. Last Sunday, we embarked on our Annual Diocesan Appeal for 2025. Thank you all who have responded to this noble exercise in our Richmond Diocese. Let us come out to support this Appeal and aim at meeting our goal as 50% of the collection is returned to us as you may view it form the insert.

The Gospel Reading of last Sunday; Luke 4: 1-13 was on Jesus’ temptation in the desert where he had retreated after his Baptism for forty days in prayer and fasting. In the three temptations, the devil wanted Jesus to doubt his divinity; “If you are the Son of God…”

The Gospel Reading of this Sunday; Luke 9: 28-36 is about the Transfiguration of Jesus before his three disciples; Peter, James, and John as witnesses of the glorification of Jesus after his passion, death and glorious resurrection. This incident is cited in the 4th Mysteries of Light, occurred after Peter’s confession of faith; “you are the Messiah son of the living God.” Jesus continued to reveal to his disciples that the Messiah would suffer, be killed and rise to life after three days.

The transfiguration occurs at the mountain of prayer, a quiet environment. It happens when the three witnesses are asleep. On waking up, Peter suggests putting up three tents: one for Jesus, Elijah and Moses. Again, a voice was heard affirming Jesus as the Son of God- “this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, listen to him.” (Luke 9: 35)

The transfiguration event anticipated the glorification of Jesus after his passion death and glorious resurrection. This incident was understood by his disciples after the Resurrection. For us celebrating this Day of the Lord:

Let us find time and space to retreat for prayer and spiritual renewal at this time of lent. Let our faith in Jesus as Son of God grow and bear the desirable fruits of the kingdom of God.

Let us find time to read the scriptures and listen to the voice of the Spirit.

Have a great week and God bless.