Open with a prayer: God, our Father, you have chosen us to be your sons and daughters. You love us even more than Abraham loved Isaac. You cherish us as you cherish your beloved Son. Though we do not deserve it, we rejoice in your love. Help us to trust in that love and to find more ways to share your love with others. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sharing life: What are you most and least grateful for this week?
Note to New Groups: The above "sharing of life" question offers you the opportunity to share some of the good and not so good things in your life. You might be most grateful for health, a good report from the doctor, a lunch with a good friend, that a conflict got resolved, etc. You might be least grateful for some physical pain, emotional stress, or an overcrowded schedule, an attitude or behavior that makes life more difficult for you. Try to think deeply about this question and share at a level comfortable for you. Taking risks to share something quite personal can free others to share in a similar manner. This sharing usually creates a deep bond between participants. We come to see that we are not alone in our struggles. So now take a moment to name one thing that you are most and least grateful for this past week.
Facilitator reads focus statement: Today's first reading and Gospel speak to us about the relationship between two fathers and their sons. In the first reading, Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his beloved son prefigures the sacrifice of Jesus, God's beloved Son. In the second reading, Paul reminds us that with God on our side we cannot loose. From another viewpoint, we can say that all three readings give us a glimpse of what it was like for Abraham, Peter, James, John and Paul to "walk in the presence of the Lord". (Psalm).
Now read the assigned readings, pausing briefly after each reading.
FIRST READING: Genesis 22: 1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
The story of Abraham is a story of a man who listened to God and responded with faith and obedience. When he heard God's call to leave his homeland, he obeyed. When God promised Abraham and Sarah a child, he believed even though Sarah was advanced in years. When God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son, he was willing to obey. This is a story of a man trusting God even when it made no sense to trust him. Being a man of great faith, Abraham presumed God knew what he was doing. Abraham's response to God was not one of "Why, God?" or "Why me?", but one of obedience, trust and action. In the context of our Lenten liturgy, this reading points to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This story was also intended to teach the Israelites about the immorality of human sacrifice - something that was normal when Abraham lived. As beloved sons and daughters of God, this reading calls us to faithfulness and obedience especially in times of trials.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 116
This is a song of thanksgiving sung in the temple by the Israelites in gratitude to God for helping them in their time of distress. One could easily imagine Abraham and Isaac singing this psalm after the Lord delivered them from their ordeal.
SECOND READING: Romans 8: 31b-34
These verses may have been intended by Paul to encourage people whose faith was being tested because of suffering. Paul's question "If God is for us, who can be against us?", is intended to elicit a response of faith. Who can defeat those who have God on their side? God's willingness to sacrifice his only Son on our behalf should surely prove, without doubt, his love and interest in us.
GOSPEL: Mark 9: 2-9
In this indescribable event, Jesus and his three apostles experience the glory of God. They are, as it were, transported into another reality. The references to Jesus' face "dazzling as the sun" and his "clothes radiant as light" is reminiscent of Old Testament theophanies (appearances of God). The presence of Moses and Elijah symbolize "the Law" given to Moses and the prophets. In Jesus, both converge and are brought to fulfillment. The response of the apostles is one of incredible joy and holy terror. They are so over-awed that they do not want to leave. "Let's build three booths." But they are also overcome with fear. Spiritual theologians tell us that the "experience of the holy" can cause us to be overjoyed and, at the same time terrified. Sometimes that which we most deeply desire, e.g., intimacy with God or another, we are also most terrified of. We are afraid of losing ourselves to another. The heavenly voice tells the apostles to listen to Jesus for he is God's anointed Messiah. In the dark days ahead, this mountaintop experience will sustain both Jesus and the apostles. Remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the night before he died. "We have some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter now. Because I have been to the mountaintop...mine eyes have seen the glory of the Lord."
FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS
1. What verse, image or idea in the readings spoke to you most and why?
2. What was the toughest thing God ever asked of you? Abraham would have answered, "When God asked me to sacrifice my only son." What would you answer?
3. In the second reading, Paul says "If God is for us, who can be against us?" To what extent have you felt God's Providential care down through the years? Was there ever a time you felt God had abandoned you?
4. Spiritually, have you ever had a "mountaintop" experience? If so, what was that like for you? How did it change your life?
RESPONDING TO GOD'S WORD
Name one way you can act on this week's readings. Suggestion: This week frequently pray for a transfiguration for relationships in your life that are less than they should be.
CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION.
Include all those who feel abandoned by God and church, those who have recently lost a child, and those couples who desire to have a child.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Blessed are you, God of Abraham. You called him to serve you obediently. Give us the courage to respond as wholeheartedly as he did. May we always listen to your beloved Son and be obedient to your will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.