March 5
Second Sunday of Lent
“Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.”
Readings
Reflection
The season of Lent is about new beginnings. Today in our Scripture readings, God promises a new beginning to Abram! It is with great faith and trust in God that Abram leaves his past behind and begins to move toward a new future, for himself, and ultimately, for all the faithful. Even our Psalm response states that the Lord delivers us from death and encourages us to look to the future; to a new life filled with love for God and thanksgiving for all God gives us.
Today, our second reading from Timothy also suggests that Christ draws us into a new life, and calls us to holiness. This call allows us to escape the chains of death and brings us into the new freedom of the resurrection that only Christ himself can offer. Therefore, Christ calls us to a new life in holiness, yet we tend to look back at our past, especially our past sins. We may not feel worthy of this gift of new life in Christ, or we may feel that we truly do not want to give up our sins. We may even ask the question, “Are we ready for such a call?” We must answer this question individually. That call requires us to allow Christ to get into the recesses of our heart and clean away the tarnish of sin, allowing the brightness of his love to shine forth as a new light in our world.
What challenges to change are we ready to take on as we celebrate the second Sunday of Lent? Let us all ask God to give us the courage to face our fears, and embark on our new life in Christ this Lenten Season!
Peace,
Fr. John
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