Daily Readings - Sun Feb 25 2024

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 9

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

In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons about faith, trust, and divine revelation. The first reading from Genesis recounts the story of Abraham and Isaac, a seminal test of faith where Abraham's unwavering obedience to God is rewarded. This narrative underscores the theme of trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. The second reading from Romans, written by Paul, reassures us of God's unwavering support, emphasizing that if God is for us, no adversity can prevail against us. This passage highlights the triumph of Christ's love and the strength it provides believers. The Gospel from Mark describes the Transfiguration, a moment where Jesus' divine glory is revealed to Peter, James, and John, reinforcing their faith and preparing them for the challenges ahead. These readings are intricately connected, each illuminating aspects of faith and trust. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac exemplifies the faith that underpins Christian belief, while Paul's words in Romans elaborate on the assurance and support believers receive from God. The Transfiguration in Mark serves as a visual affirmation of Jesus' divine nature, urging the disciples—and us—to listen to and follow Him. Together, they remind us that faith is not passive but active, requiring us to trust and obey God's will, even when it's challenging. Applying these lessons to our daily lives, we are encouraged to trust God in all circumstances, just as Abraham did. The Romans passage reminds us to lean on God's love and support during trials, knowing that Christ's intercession strengthens us. The Transfiguration invites us to focus on Jesus, seeking His guidance and comfort, especially in difficult times. The moral lesson here is clear: faith and trust in God lead to strength and understanding of His plan. Just as Abraham and the disciples found sustenance in their faith, we too can find comfort and guidance by trusting in God and heeding His Word. Let us embrace this faith, allowing it to transform our lives and deepen our relationship with Him.