Friday 23 February 2018

Second Sunday of Lent: 25 February – Jesus is transformed (Mark 9: 2-10)


In our recent spring newsletter, the Prior Provincial, Fr Kevin Alban suggested how we might understand the gospel for each of the five Sundays of Lent, and how we might pray them. Each Friday, we'll add these reflections to our blog so you can read them and prepare for the Gospel before Sunday:

Second Sunday of Lent: 25 February –  Jesus is transformed (Mark 9: 2-10)

On this Sunday the Church reminds us of the goal of our Lenten journey: the Risen Christ. The gospel writer allows us to appreciate the true reality of Jesus Christ. His human body, like ours, is only a stage in the process of reaching real life where what we know is transformed. Yet despite the novelty that Jesus brings to our experience, there is also a continuation of God’s revelation from of old. The presence of Moses and Elijah reminds us that God’s promises and His care for the people of Israel are extended to the followers of Jesus too. What is the attitude of the disciple? Jesus gives a clue in a single word – listen!! Are we ready to listen?

I hope that Lent proves to be a fruitful time for you. One way of deepening our appreciation of this season might be to read the Sunday gospel during the preceding week so that when we hear it again at Mass we are really familiar with it.
Fr Kevin Alban, O.Carm



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