Word Wide Open: The Second Sunday of Lent (A) - 3/5/23

First Reading (Genesis 12:1-4a)

A reading from the Book of Genesis.

The LORD said to Abram: 

"Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk

and from your father's house to a land that I will show you.

"I will make of you a great nation,

and I will bless you;

I will make your name great,

so that you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you

and curse those who curse you.

All the communities of the earth

shall find blessing in you."

Abram went as the LORD directed him.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? How can we get better at trusting the promises of God?

Second Reading (2 Timothy 1:8b-10)

A reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy. 

Beloved:

Bear your share of hardship for the gospel

with the strength that comes from God.

He saved us and called us to a holy life,

not according to our works

but according to his own design

and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began,

but now made manifest 

through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus,

who destroyed death and brought life and immortality

to light through the gospel.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions:  Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? What is our share of hardship for the Gospel? What does a holy life look like?

Gospel (Matthew 17:1-9)

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew .

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, 

and led them up a high mountain by themselves.

And he was transfigured before them; 

his face shone like the sun 

and his clothes became white as light.

And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,

conversing with him.

Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, 

"Lord, it is good that we are here.

If you wish, I will make three tents here, 

one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

While he was still speaking, behold,

a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, 

then from the cloud came a voice that said, 

"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;

listen to him."

When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate

and were very much afraid.

But Jesus came and touched them, saying,

"Rise, and do not be afraid."

And when the disciples raised their eyes, 

they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain,

Jesus charged them,

"Do not tell the vision to anyone 

until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

The Gospel of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this Gospel reading? What did the transfiguration reveal about Jesus? Why did this moment cause fear? How can we be better at listening to the Lord?