2nd Sunday of Lent, year A

Genesis 12: 1-4a

The LORD said to Abram: “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you. “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you.” Abram went as the LORD directed him.

Psalm 33: 4-5. 18-22

Upright is the word of the LORD,

and all his works are trustworthy.

He loves justice and right;

of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.

See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,

upon those who hope for his kindness,

To deliver them from death

and preserve them in spite of famine.

Our soul waits for the LORD,

who is our help and our shield.

May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us

who have put our hope in you.

2 Timothy 1: 8b-10

Beloved: Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Matthew 17: 1-9

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Questions:

- It is written in the book of Genesis: “The LORD said to Abram: “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.” – What is the difficulty in what God asked of Abraham’ and what is His promise? How do I understand God’s promise to bring us one day into the promised land? How did Jesus announce and explain this promise? What helps me to participate in God’s kingdom on earth, and to advance towards the kingdom of God in heaven? What hinders me? Are there things I would like to change in my life to draw closer to God’s kingdom?

- It is written in the Second Letter to Timothy: “… but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” – What does the gospel teach me about life here on earth? And about life after death? What is the connection between these two dimensions of life?

- It is written in the Gospel: “While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”” – What are the times I find in the course of the day, week, month and year to speak to Jesus, to listen to him and learn from him as God commands us? How do I take advantage for this of the special liturgical periods, of the prayers and times of retreat which the Church offers me during the year?

Questions for children:

- It is written in the book of Genesis: “The LORD said to Abram: “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.” – Why does God tell Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a new country? What is the difficulty in what God asked of Abraham’ and what is God’s promise to Abraham? How do I understand God’s promise to bring us one day into the promised land? How did Jesus announce and explain this promise?

- It is written in the Second Letter to Timothy: “… but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” – What are Gospel stories I know which tell about God bringing the dead to life? What does it mean to me that Jesus defeated death? How does belief in eternal life help me in my daily life?

- It is written in the Gospel: “While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”” – Do I find time to talk to Jesus? What can I say to him? Do I think about the fact that he loves me and wants to hear me and guide me in my life? When during the day can I stop for a moment to speak with Jesus, and to hear what he wants to say to me that day?