Second Sunday

Join us on a Lenten Journey lead by to Anne-Louise DePalo.

LENTEN REFLECTIONS
++ SECOND SUNDAY ++
REFLECTION FOR March 5, 2023
THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

Lessons Learned

“The Lord said to Abram, go forth … to all that I will show you.” Genesis 12:1

“Lord, let your mercy be on us as we place our trust in you.” Psalm 33

“He saved us and called us to a holy life. Not according to our works, but according to his own design and grace bestowed on Christ Jesus.” Second Letter of Timothy, Chapter 1:9

“This is my beloved son. Listen to him.” Matthew 17:5.

“Rise and do not be afraid.” Matthew 17:19.

As I meditated on the readings for this second Sunday of Lent, I found it difficult to just

choose one line or passage and reflect on it. For me, the readings perfectly flowed. What was revealed in essence is what it means to be a Christian; and what our Lenten journey is all about.

Here are the lessons revealed:

  1. In Genesis, God speaks to Abram, and he promises him a new way of life; however, he first must leave behind what he knows and live in a new way. He must leave behind what no longer serves. Our fasting practices help us break attachments that we may have. It makes us hunger for what we truly desire. Every day we must go forth into the world and begin again. We must take the first step to the land that awaits.
  2. Psalm 33 – The psalm reminds us of God’s mercy and to trust in him. As we repent of our sins with sorrow during Lent, we take heart in knowing God forgives us and will give us the grace to continue on the road to continuing conversion. To really experience God’s love and mercy I suggest spending a few moments in prayer in front of the divine mercy image.
  3. Saint Paul in Second Timothy explains to us it is not what we do, but who we are that God loves. We must allow ourselves to be loved. Through almsgiving, service, and our relationship with God, we will receive the grace we need during our own road to Calvary with the promise of eternal life.
  4. Finally, in Mark’s gospel, we learn that when we are lost and do not know what to do or where to go, we just need to follow and look to Jesus. He is our guide to a holy, well-lived life. We too must “rise” and live the life He has given us; we must not be afraid. We need to listen to his voice. We need time alone with Him, in solitude, and silence. Only there will we find fulfillment. As Matthew Kelly says, “Spend some time in the classroom of silence.” You will be surprised what you will learn there.