Newsletter — Second Sunday of Lent B—25th February 2024

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Reading I: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18:	Psalm: Ps 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19
Reading II: Romans 8:31b-34	Gospel: Mark 9:2-10

Overall Theme: The readings for this Sunday present how God’s glory is revealed through the paradox of sacrificial love.
Summary of the Readings:
First reading: The first reading presents the calvary of the Old Testament, as Isaac typologically points to Christ who carries the wood to the mountaintop and freely offers himself to the Father. The Father’s oath to Abraham of a great name, nation, and universal blessing points to John 3:16 where it will be fulfilled through Jesus. Psalm: The psalmist seems to speak in the person of Isaac as he thanks God for loosening him from the bonds of being sacrificed. He speaks of giving an offering of thanksgiving which is the Greek word Eucharistia.
Second reading: St. Paul deploys theological themes that assure us of God’s love. The Father holds nothing back from us, even sacrificing His only begotten Son for our sake.
Gospel: The Transfiguration foreshadows the glory of Jesus on the Cross and points to Calvary as the true goal. While prefiguring His Passion, the Transfiguration also expresses the reality of our bodily resurrection at the end of time. Moses and Elijah symbolize the Law and the Prophets and how they are fulfilled in Jesus, who reveals the Father.
Practical Application: These readings call us not to shrink from our Lenten resolutions but to lean into them. Be enlivened by Christ’s self-gift that reveals the Father’s unwavering love for you. Let this be the consolation of your heart in times of temptation or anxiety.

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