March 8, 2020: Second Sunday of Lent
Catholic Social Teaching:
Pope Francis’ homilies on the Transfiguration
http://www.popefrancishomilies.com/transfiguration
Readings
First Reading: Genesis 12:1-4a
Psalm: 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22
Second Reading: 2nd Timothy 1:8b-10
Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9
Catechism of the Catholic Church
On the threshold of the public life: the baptism; on the threshold of the Passover: the Transfiguration. Jesus’ baptism proclaimed “the mystery of the first regeneration”, namely, our Baptism; the Transfiguration “is the sacrament of the second regeneration”: our own Resurrection. From now on we share in the Lord’s Resurrection through the Spirit who acts in the sacraments of the Body of Christ. The Transfiguration gives us a foretaste of Christ’s glorious coming, when he “will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body.” But it also recalls that “it is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God”:
Peter did not yet understand this when he wanted to remain with Christ on the mountain. It has been reserved for you, Peter, but for after death. For now, Jesus says: “Go down to toil on earth, to serve on earth, to be scorned and crucified on earth. Life goes down to be killed; Bread goes down to suffer hunger; the Way goes down to be exhausted on his journey; the Spring goes down to suffer thirst; and you refuse to suffer?” (556) From the Daily Roman Missal, Introduction to the Second Sunday of Lent, Cycle A
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: No references this week
For complete text visit: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html
Reflection
Where do the mountain top experiences of our lives take us? Do we linger in the exhilaration but tentative to let courage overtake complacency from spiritual comfort? A bliss of knowing the Divine more intimately and clearly, but ignoring the tug to journey into the unsettling, confounding reality of humanity. The place where courage to listen to God’s beloved Son overtakes personal destiny. The spiritual touch encompassed on the mountain top prompting us to arise without fear. A place of clarity where other points of departure vanish and only the path of following Jesus remains. The calling of us to not waste the mountain top experience in personal solace, but used for the blessing of others and ourselves. The reality that the manifestation of the law and prophets is fully fulfilled in Jesus. We place our trust in Him and serve prioritizing justice and right, for that is what He loves.
Individual Reflection:Matthew 17:1-9
Family Reflection:Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22
Apply for a Catholic Climate Project $1000 grant to help your parish live the message of Laudato Sí
https://www.catholicclimateproject.org/resources/grant-application
Prayer: Mediate on the song Transfigure Us, O Lord by Bob Hurd
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5SQG4cX8vw
Blogs to Visit:
As we reflect upon Mary’s presence in the mysteries of the Rosary, we are blessed to know her. For her journey, a timeless trek, calls us to surrender, continuing conversion, humbleness and justice now.
https://peaceonjustice.wordpress.com/
Weekly lectionary reflections, for faith sharing groups, parish bulletins, newsletters or personal prayer, from the synergy of the Word we hear and the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching.
https://cst74life.wordpress.com/
Catholic Social Teaching offers seven principles for upholding life in our thoughts, decisions and actions.
How we do Catholic Social Teaching.
https://csmresources.wordpress.com/
Creation sustainability ministry resources in the spirit of the St Francis Pledge.
Social Ministry Resources Engaging Parishes: Monthly and liturgical seasons resources for use with parish websites, bulletins and newsletters
Involvement Opportunities
List one or two upcoming events, legislative action alerts or social justice websites
By Barb Born March 6, 2020 The reflection maybe used in parish bulletins, newsletters or for faith sharing groups without copyright concern.