Sharing of life: What are you most and least grateful for this week?

(Note to newcomers: The question “what are you most and least grateful for?” is an excellent question to ask oneself at any time, and ask one’s family or friends. In the context of your small group, the question gives you the opportunity to get to know each other in a personal way. You may be most grateful for health, the nice weather, a job you love, loved ones, etc. You may be least grateful for some health problem, an overcrowded schedule, a lousy work situation, some loss, etc. Share at a level that is comfortable for you. Your willingness to share on a personal level will, most likely, help to create a close bond as you journey together through this sacred season.)

Facilitator reads focus statement: In the gospel, Peter, James and John have a “heavenly experience” in which a voice tells them to listen to Jesus. In the first reading, we have a concrete example of a man listening to and obeying a heavenly voice. In the second reading, Paul reminds Timothy of the holy life he has been called to.

If you have not read the commentary on the three readings prior to your meeting, consider reading it either before or after you read each reading.

FIRST READING: Genesis 12:1-4

The Lenten Period of Purification and Enlightenment is a call to holiness of life issued to the Elect (those preparing for baptism), candidates (those preparing for Full Communion into our church) and for all of us a call to hear and respond with love to God’s initiative in our lives – irrespective of when God comes knocking at our door.

Each year on the Second Sunday of Lent, the liturgy of the word begins with God’s call to the 75 year old Abraham, a call to live a life of holiness and to enter into a covenant relationship with God. The call of Abram (later to be called Abraham – to signify his new relationship with God) is the beginning of what we call Salvation History. Last week we listened to the story of the Fall. The call of Abram is God’s first step to redeem human kind. Today’s reading consists of a call a promise, a mission and a blessing and Abram’s response to God’s call. “Abram went as God directed him.” Abram’s obedience to God’s call is model for all believers.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: 33

This psalm emphasizes that God’s word is trustworthy and that God protects us in our time of need. This is at the heart of what Abraham (and every believer) discovers about God when we “place our trust in him”.

SECOND READING: 2 Timothy 1:8-10

After exhorting Timothy to be willing to suffer for the Gospel, Paul reminds him of the holiness of life he has been called to and how Christ grants us the grace to live a holy life. We are able to live in holiness because of the “grace bestowed on us,” not because of “our works.”

GOSPEL: Matthew 17:1-9

This story is proclaimed each year on the second Sunday of Lent. As the Elect make their final preparation for their baptism, the transfiguration event presents us with a classic image of baptismal transformation. Just as Christ was totally transfigured on Mount Tabor, we are totally transformed into the likeness of Christ when we are baptized. Commenting on this gospel, the authors of Living the Word ’04-’05 writes:

The history of God’s relationship with a chosen people begins in the story of Abraham, but it takes a new turn in the person of Jesus, the “beloved Son” in whom every human person is able to find salvation. The story of the Transfiguration is brimming with Old Testament allusions that signal the divine character of what transpires on the mountaintop. The disciples are given a glimpse not only of Jesus in glory, but of their own destiny as well. For those who journey toward baptism during Lent, and equally for those of us already baptized, this glimpse of glory offers a powerful reminder of our own call to holiness and where that call will ultimately lead us. Jesus foretells his death and we modern-day disciples are reminded of the rigors not only of Lent but of discipleship itself. Nonetheless, in the face of whatever fears or misgivings we may harbor, Jesus speaks gently to us in today’s Gospel: “Rise, and do not be afraid” (Matthew 17:7).

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse spoke to you most?

2. God called Abraham and Sara in their old age. This means that there is no time in life when God is through making use of us. If up in years, do you feel God is still making use of you? If not up in years, do you know some people God is still using in their older years?

3. What can block us from hearing and responding to God’s word?

4. In and through our baptism, God has called each of us to a holy life. What does this call to holiness mean to you?

5. In today’s gospel, Jesus says to his overwhelmed disciples: “Rise up and do not be afraid”. Can you recall a time when you particularly needed to hear these words?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on God’s word in today’s readings. Suggestions: Just as God called Abraham and Sarah to leave their place of security, try to be aware of how God might be calling you to leave your comfort zone. Sharing in a small group is one example of this for many people. Listen to God call you “beloved daughter” or “beloved son”.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray for the grace to hear and respond to God’s call upon our lives. Pray for the older members of our community that they will always know that they can play an important role in the life of our church. ©