Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk 

 Second Sunday of Lent, Year, A – March 12, 2017

Readings: Gen 12:1-4A; Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:4-5, 18-10, 20, 20, 22; 2^nd Tm 1:8B-10; Gospel Mt 17:1-9.

Theme:  Rise, Do Not Fear!

Beloved in Christ, the call of Abram/Abraham which we heard about in the first reading from the book of Genesis (Gen 12:1-4A) reveals Abraham as a righteousness man who showed fear the exit door in his life. Following God’s instruction that he should leave his father’s house to a land he would be shown, Abram courageously took a leap of faith. That leap of faith meant that he was not afraid of losing his father’s heritage. It further meant that Abraham believed that God had a better offer for him.

He was at liberty to doubt God since what God said to him namely, “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 curse you. All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you” was merely a promise. Instead of being afraid, or searching for a fortune-teller, Abraham believed and went as the Lord directed him.

At baptism and confirmation, we heard the voice of God and made a commitment to follow him. No sooner had we begun our journey than the vicissitudes of life tossed us about creating fear and doubt. The fear of the future or the unknown is on the rise. Many young people are caught up in the web of astrology horoscope or zodiac signs wanting to know their fate in life; the fear of what the future holds for them has landed many young people in the hands of crooks.

Today, our gospel reading (Mt 17:1-9) reinforces the message of the first reading. On the mount of transfiguration, Jesus says to the three apostles, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” These assuring words reminds us to be confident in the Lord who is able to do much more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Jesus also invites us for a divine encounter with him. The trouble is that most times we prefer to trust in our wimps and caprices than trusting in the Lord.

The Church is that mountain where the Lord intends to meet with us. On this mountain, we shall experience that epiphany which shall change our worldview towards becoming better believers. Our faith-journey would not be complete without the Holy Spirit whose effects made Jesus’ clothes to become dazzlingly white; the voice of the Father which was heard still speaks to those who dispose themselves for divine encounters. The display of synergy by the Trinitarian Godhead also calls for unity of the spirit among Christians.

The appearance of Moses and Elijah who represented the Law and the Prophets respectively shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. This entails that we listen to Jesus whom the Father endorsed. Listening to him involves keeping his ten commandments as well as the six commandments of the Church. That is not all - we have our priests, the contemporary prophets to listen to too. Amidst the economic recession or a shaky future, Jesus says: “Rise, do not fear.” Have a terrific Lenten Season!