My homily for Second ( 2nd) Sunday of Lent year C Homily
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s first reading begins with a profound moment in the life of Abram (who later became Abraham) and his covenant with God. In this passage, God reassures Abram of His promises of giving him many descendants.
Let us see first, the background of this story.
Abram showed remarkable faith by leaving his homeland (Ur) in response to God’s call. This is in Genesis 12.
He traveled to Canaan, where God promised to make him into a great nation. However, Abram and his wife, Sarai, remained childless, which made him question whether God’s promise of giving him many children would be fulfilled.
Abram expressed his doubt and concern to God. He points out that he has no children, and therefore has no heir.
In response, God addresses Abram’s doubts. He takes him outside and tells him to look at the stars in the night sky, declaring that his descendants will be as numerous as those stars. This moment is significant because it shifts the focus from Abram’s immediate circumstances—his lack of an heir—to God’s overarching plan and promise. The words emphasize God’s power and faithfulness, inviting Abram to trust Him despite the seeming impossibility of the situation.
The message of this reading carries timeless relevance for us today, as it speaks to core aspects of faith, trust, and hope in uncertain circumstances.
It reminds us to have Faith in Uncertainty: Abram believed in God’s promise despite his immediate reality not aligning with it. This encourages us to maintain faith and hope, even when the circumstances that surround us seem not to be favorable or when the outcomes are not visible.
The passage emphasizes that it was Abram’s faith, not necessarily his works, that was credited as righteousness. This reminds us that a relationship with God—or a sense of spiritual connection—is earned through total trust and belief in God.
This reading also shows us that God has a bigger plan for each one of us. Just as Abram could only see a portion of God’s supreme plan, this teaches us to trust in purposes beyond our understanding. It is a call to patience and perspective, knowing that, promises may unfold in ways we cannot yet foresee. God has bigger plans which you haven’t yet seen.
The image of countless stars symbolizes hope and vast possibilities. In moments of doubt or struggle. This vision serves as a reminder of the infinite possibilities which life holds for each one of us. Life overs a lot of possibilities. We worship a God of many possibilities.
On a practical level, the story reminds us to shift focus from immediate challenges to the broader picture. It can inspire us to trust in our goals, dreams, or faith—even when the journey seems long or difficult. The reading reminds us not to give up. Don’t give up on your dream, my dear. Remain focused.
Dear friends, the gospel which we have today, comes from Luke 9:28b-36. It recounts the Transfiguration of Jesus, a pivotal moment where His divine glory is revealed to three of His closest disciples—Peter, James, and John. This event, which takes place on a mountaintop, unveils the true identity of Jesus as the Son of God, strengthening the disciples’ faith and pointing to the fulfillment of God’s salvific plan. The appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus represents the Law and the Prophets, testifying that Jesus is the culmination of God’s covenant with His people. As we reflect on this powerful moment, it reminds us of the transformative impact of encountering God’s glory and the call to listen to His Son.
Dear brothers and sisters, as reflect on this passage, we ascend the mountain with Jesus and witness His Transfiguration. It is a moment of divine revelation, where the disciples catch a glimpse of the glory of God shining through Jesus. From this passage, we draw three important lessons:
1. The first one is the power of prayer: The Transfiguration occurs as Jesus is praying. This reminds us of the transformative power of prayer in our lives. Just as Jesus sought communion with the Father, we too are invited to create space for prayer, where we can experience God’s presence, clarity, and strength. Be a man and woman of prayers. We are in a spiritual battle, and those who win it are men and women of prayer. Let prayer be your weapon always.
2. The second lesson we can learn is the promise of glory amidst suffering: The presence of Moses and Elijah, discussing Jesus’ upcoming departure (His Passion), highlights that glory comes through the path of the cross. This reassures us that moments of struggle or difficulty are not the end of the story. Instead, they often lead to transformation and greater purpose in God’s plan.
3. The third lesson is the call to listen: God’s voice from the cloud declares, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to Him!” This command is as relevant today as it was during that time. In a world filled with distractions, we are reminded to listen deeply to Jesus’ teachings and allow them to shape our choices, values, and actions.
We also see Peter and his companions asleep. They were sleeping but when they woke up they saw God’s glory and the two men standing with Jesus. Many of us are asleep. We are spiritually sleeping. We cannot see the glory of God while sleeping. We need to wake up if we are to see the glory of God manifesting in our lives. Fervent prayer wakes us up spiritually. We need to be men and women of prayer. We need to pry always. Prayer wakes up our spirits and so we see the glory of God. So, my dear friend, wake up! Be a person of prayer.
As we descend the mountain of the Transfiguration, let us take these lessons into our daily lives. May we cultivate prayer as a source of strength, trust in God through life’s challenges, and faithfully listen to Jesus, who continues to guide us toward His glory. Let the light of Christ shine through us, so we too may reflect His love and hope in the world.
May God bless you all
Fr. Stephen Kakande C.S.Sp.