Readings: Genesis 22:1-2,9-13,15-18, Ps. 116:10,15-19, Romans 8:31-34, Mark 9:2-10
“A voice came out of the cloud, ‘This is my beloved Son; listen to him.’” (Mark 9:7)
Last Sunday, we read the story of Noah. The sins of mankind had risen to the point that God regretted creating man, but Noah alone was found pleasing in God’s sight out of all the men who lived. When Noah came out of the Ark, he “built an altar to the Lord, took off every clean animal and bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And when the Lord smelled the pleasing odour, the Lord said in his heart, ‘I will never again curse the ground because of man… neither will I ever again destroy every living creature as I have done. While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.’” (Genesis 8:20-22)
Just as Noah offered a sacrifice to God that pleased God so much, Abraham offered to God a huge sacrifice: his only begotten son, Isaac (born to him after twenty-five long years of waiting). Although Abraham did not kill his son, Isaac, the very fact that he was willing to do so further endeared him to God’s heart. What is the highest sacrifice you are willing to make for God?
Do you think there is anything too much for God? While thinking about this, remember that God did not consider the sacrifice of his only Son, Jesus Christ, too much for us. Reflecting on this, St. Paul, in our second reading today, assures us that if God did not spare His own Son, Jesus Christ, for our sake, then there is absolutely nothing He cannot do for our sake. (Romans 8:31-34). He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for his sheep. (John 10:15).
Indeed, what a marvellous God we serve! A God who would never give His children a snake when they ask for fish, nor a scorpion when they ask for an egg (Cf. Luke 11:11-12); a God who provides (just as He provided a ram for Abraham); a God who can be trusted even in times of affliction and testing (as our responsorial psalm today sings). Let us reflect on some lessons in today’s readings:
1. There is Power in Sacrifice
If we expect to get God’s attention or to receive from Him, we must be willing to give something in return – something that costs us. Abel sacrificed the best of what He had, Noah sacrificed the cleanest of all the animals, Abraham gave his son Isaac, and even Jesus as man gave His very life. The blessings that come with offering a sacrifice always outweigh the sacrifice itself. As we hear in today’s first reading, God said to Abraham: “By myself, I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will indeed bless you, and I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore. And your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies, and by your descendants shall all the nations of the earth bless themselves.” (Genesis 22:16-18)
2. Why Did God Test Abraham?
In Exodus 34:14, we read: “You shall worship no other god, because the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” Having waited so long for Isaac, Abraham’s love for the boy knew no bounds; Isaac became a god (idol) to Abraham. Notice how God spoke to Abraham in today’s reading: “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah.” (Genesis 22:2). Have my possessions become idols preventing me from worshipping God? Do I love God’s blessings more than I love God? Is my work (love for money) depriving me of devoting time to prayer? Do you know that God sometimes takes the things we love away from us to test us like Abraham?
During this Lent, let us, like Abraham, make sacrifices through fasting, prayer and almsgiving. If you love food, sacrifice some to feed the poor. No matter how much money you make per hour, sacrifice at least one hour daily to prayer. Use this time to listen to Jesus by meditating on the Scriptures. (During the Transfiguration, God said, “This is my Beloved Son, listen to Him). Sacrifice your pride by forgiving and reconciling with your offenders. Sacrifice your desire for comfort, luxury or pleasure to improve life for those suffering. If you are not pained by it, you cannot call it a sacrifice.
3. In Moments of Trial, Trust in God and Keep Doing what is Right
Saint Teresa of Avila once asked God why her life was so full of trials, and God said: “Do not complain; this is how I treat my friends.” In response, St. Teresa yelled: “Ah, if this is how you treat your friends, no wonder you have so few.” In this light, St. Ignatius of Loyola would say: “If God sends you many sufferings, it is a sign that He has great plans for you, and He certainly wants to make you a saint.” The fact that we are God-fearing Christians does not immune us from sad times.
The Psalmist proclaims: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4). Our love for God does not take away the valleys and shadows of death, it only prevents us from danger. When things become very rough for you, remember this story of Abraham. Keep doing what is right. Do not bow to the devil’s suggestion lest you fail the test. Avoid the philosophy of “God will understand.” See, God knows what you are going through; He only wants to know the extent of your faith. He may have led you to Moriah, but He will not allow you to kill your son Isaac. Just when Abraham felt all hope was gone, a ram was in the bush. Trust in God; He is capable of providing what is needed when it is needed. Don’t bow to evil.
God may be silent, but He is not sleeping. Never assume your prayers are wasted. God did not say anything when Abraham began the journey. When he dismissed the servants, God was quiet. When Isaac asked about the lamb for sacrifice, God was silent. When the firewood was set, God didn’t say anything. When Abraham grabbed Isaac and tied him to the wood, God said nothing. All the while, God was there. God is still here with you. He is not sleeping. Just keep doing what is right. Prove trust in God’s providence by keeping His commandments even when rough. God is not weak. As St. Paul says, God, who did not spare His own Son Jesus for your sake, will never refuse anything from you.
4. Leadership is all about Sacrifice
Today, we are proud to call ourselves children of Abraham because Abraham agreed to sacrifice. Any leader unwilling to sacrifice for those under their care does not deserve the title. While many are starving and millions are dying, the cost of governance continues to increase. While those earning humungous salaries have refused to reduce it, they struggle to increase the minimum wage. When the dollar is exchanged for almost two thousand naira, some persons with families earn only thirty thousand naira monthly. Am I a good shepherd? If I were to die today, what account would I render to God about those under my sphere of leadership? Am I into politics for my pocket or the people’s welfare?
5. It Didn’t Just Happen: God Has a Plan
The transfiguration experience teaches us that we serve a God who plans. The presence of Moses and Elijah shows that as far back as the time when the Israelites suffered in Egypt, God already had a plan to send us a saviour, Jesus Christ. This plan existed when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. Whatever is happening to you now already happened in God’s mind, even before birth. As Moses and Elijah consoled Jesus, God will send consolation to you in your moments of trial.
While the transfiguration revealed that the death of Jesus was planned, the event was part of God’s plan to strengthen the faith of Peter, James and John ahead of the imminent arrest, passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As we gradually approach Easter, when we shall re-enact these events of our faith, let us remember that the same Jesus who was beaten (and disfigured like a worm) is the one who shone brighter than the light. Never lose your vision of Jesus. If only Peter had remembered the transfiguration, perhaps he would never have denied knowing Jesus.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach me how to sacrifice and reward my sacrifices. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (2nd Sunday of Lent. Bible Study: Genesis 22:1-2,9-13,15-18, Ps. 116:10,15-19, Romans 8:31-34, Mark 9:2-10).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu