As I read today’s lectionary passage, I reflected on faith as a vital element in a personal relationship with God.
Today’s lectionary: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031625.cfm.
Reading I – Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
Although Genesis 15 contains the first direct reference to Abraham’s faith, every step of his journey with God, from his initial call in Genesis 12 onward, demonstrated his trust.
And he believed the Lord, and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6).
This parallels our experience: we respond to God’s call by placing our faith in His word and truth.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14
You may remember the children’s book, “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen. You probably can repeat the familiar theme, “We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re going to catch a big one. I’m not scared.”
Unlike the false bravado of the children’s rhyme, the psalmist’s ‘fear not’ was rooted in a deep trust in God’s provision.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek. (Psalm 27:1, 8)
They knew that a relationship with God brought them into the reality of His protection and care.
Reading II – Philippians 3:17—4:1
The Bible offers both positive and negative examples for us to learn from. We see models of faith in figures like Abraham, the Psalmist, and Paul, while others serve as warnings, having prioritized their own desires over the true God.
Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.
For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears.
Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things.
But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself (Philippians 3:17-20).
My friends in AA remind themselves to ‘play the tape to the end,’ to foresee the results of harmful actions.
In the same way, choosing to be an enemy “of the cross of Christ” leads to destruction and shame.
However, choosing to trust and walk with God results in a heavenly home and a glorious transformation.
Verse Before the Gospel – Matthew 17:5
While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5)
Gospel – Luke 9:28b-36
Paul’s faith enabled him to imagine a glorious transformation. God, in His grace, provided Peter, James, and John with a first-hand experience of this transformation’s power.
Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.
And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.
Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking about his exodus, which he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem.
Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep, but as they awoke they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. (Luke 9:28-31).
I am particularly moved by God’s choice to involve these disciples directly, along with seeing Moses and Elijah within the context of the transfiguration.
Notice how disciples recognized Moses and Elijah without the benefit of a picture or our customary ways of knowing people from the past. This is another indicator that in heaven we will know one another.
A key aspect of the transfiguration is God’s desire to involve humanity in His work. As Jesus prepared for the cross, He included three disciples and Moses and Elijah, who appeared from heaven to connect with Him.
Though God could have acted alone, He chose to involve us. From the time of Abraham to the present day, God partners with people who exercise faith and follow Him.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed the grief Esau experienced upon losing his blessing, as described in Genesis 27.
Real Voices 