Second Sunday of Lent - March 16

Genesis 15:5-12 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 9:28b-36

As I reflected on today's readings, I found them to be riddled with mystery. I am not a scholar, nor have I put a lot of energy into understanding the definitive meaning of the Gospel. I think that is the point. The Scriptures can have many influences and meanings that may be different to us all regardless of our expertise in scripture. As we hear and rehear His Words, it may give us different epiphanies depending on where we are in our life and what we need to hear. The mystery of scripture and the magic of the Holy Spirit is that it can reach us all individually and in our own ways. If we can believe that no two sets of fingerprints are identical, we can also believe that God has made an infinite number of avenues for us to hear, interact and have His presence in our life.

I believe Jesus is always with us in our life. The trick is to recognize from what avenue is His message reaching us. It could be as in Genesis 15:5. He asked Abram to “Look up at the sky and count the stars.” He could have just as easily said, “Sit on the beach and study the waves.” Or, “Enjoy the many colors and contrast of the sunset or the sunrise.” I find the beauty in nature can be an intimate connection with God. In the Gospel reading Luke 9;28, Jesus took Peter, John and James up the mountain, to isolate them so He could communicate with them. This is telling me that if we can be still, find a quiet place, and rest our mind, we will be able to find peace, comfort and meaning with our Lord and in our life.

Q: How does God most often speak to me? How do I most often speak with God?

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