Blog

REFLECTIONS FOR 2ND SUNDAY OF LENT

Today’s readings encourage obedience to God through the examples of Abraham and Jesus. Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice Isaac and Jesus’ submission to His Father’s will during the Transfiguration both exemplify profound obedience rooted in trust and love. The psalm in today’s readings calls us to trust even in the midst of trials and even to offer thanks despite the suffering. There is a resolve in the psalmist to remain faithful and to keep on walking in the Lord’s ways and try to find comfort and hope during these times.

Abraham was tested to the full extent – to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Abraham lived his faith and showed tremendous trust in God for what he was asked to do. Trust is such a strong word. It seems like it would be a consistent factor in one’s life once one gains it. But it can ebb and flow. Trust has been likened to a roller coaster or a mountain with sudden drops and slow ascents. Yet, trusting God is the truest form of faith, transformation and worship.

Life is not predictable. Many of us want to trust in God. When times are good, it can feel easier. But when times feel difficult, it becomes very hard to maintain this trust. We ask the question ” Why is God putting me through this sickness or this issue in my life?” The answer seems to be that God does everything for a reason. If we are suffering, do we turn away from God, or ask Him for help in our lives? This is when we should trust in God, for He is both faithful and good. God’s unchanging character can give us a firm foundation when things feel unsteady and uncertain.

We can learn from Abraham; learn how to pray with faith ; to listen to the Lord ; to walk, to dialogue, even argue with Him. Sometimes we feel angry at God for what we are experiencing, but, according to Pope Francis: ” Being angry is a form of prayer. Let us learn from Abraham to pray with faith, to dialogue and to argue , but always be willing to accept the Word of God and to put it into practice. “

Trusting God is not about ignoring our feelings or reality. It is not pretending that everything is okay when it isn’t. Trusting in God is living a life of belief in and obedience to God , even when it is difficult. Our faith will always be tried and tested by the different circumstances and situations in our lives. We are asked to have courage , and accept the challenges , to give our full trust to  God. With our faith in God we experience trust, love, respect, strength, hope, ethics , wisdom and integrity. Let us try , during this Lenten season, to channel the trust shown by Abraham and adapt it to our own situations , especially when doubts overwhelm us. Trust in the Lord, for He is good.

~Cathy keirstead