Daily Readings - Sun Feb 25 2018
Genesis
1Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!Here I am," he replied.2Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."9When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.10Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.11But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!Here I am," he replied.12"Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."13Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son.15The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time16and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son,17I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies,18and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
Romans
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Mark
2After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.3His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.4And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.5Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."6(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)7Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"8Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.10They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what "rising from the dead" meant.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound themes of trust, faith, and the revelation of God’s love. In the first reading, we witness Abraham’s unwavering faith as he is tested by God. Called to sacrifice his only son Isaac, Abraham’s obedience, even in the face of unimaginable difficulty, demonstrates his deep trust in God’s plan. This story is not just a test of Abraham’s faith but also a foreshadowing of God’s ultimate sacrifice—His only Son, Jesus Christ. The context of this passage is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Abraham, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and trust in divine providence.
The second reading from Romans builds on this theme of trust and divine love. St. Paul reminds us that if God did not spare His own Son for our sake, He will surely give us all things. This passage reassures us of God’s unwavering support and love, even in the face of trials and tribulations. It invites us to place our trust in God, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. The context here is one of encouragement, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite the challenges of life.
The Gospel takes us to the mountain of the Transfiguration, where Jesus reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John. This moment is a revelation of Jesus’ true identity as the beloved Son of God, and it serves as a source of strength for the disciples as they prepare to face the trials of His Passion and death. The voice from the cloud reminds them—and us—to “listen to Him,” to trust in His words and His plan. The context of this passage is one of preparation, equipping the disciples (and us) to trust in Jesus even when the path ahead seems uncertain.
These readings are deeply interconnected. Abraham’s trust in God prefigures the ultimate act of love in the sacrifice of Jesus. The Transfiguration reinforces the divine authority of Jesus, inviting us to place our trust in Him. Together, they remind us that faith is not about understanding everything but about trusting in God’s plan, even when it seems difficult or unclear.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to reflect on where we place our trust. Do we trust in God’s plan, even when it seems challenging? Do we listen to Jesus, even when the path ahead is uncertain? Let us draw strength from these readings, remembering that God’s love for us is unwavering, and His plan for us is always one of life and hope. May we, like Abraham, trust in God’s providence, and may we, like the disciples, listen to Jesus and follow Him faithfully.