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March 1, 2015
Second Sunday of Lent
Dear Parishioners,
In our journey of our lives sometimes we should deal with a moment of obscurity. It can constitute a more severe mental pain than any physical suffering. It may be a time of doubt about values that we have cherished as sacred in the past, fidelity is a stale marriage situation, commitment to religion in the parish setting that does not excite us, or dedication to a job under changed circumstances. In each case, we do not know where to turn.
In Hebrew tradition, Abraham represents the classic example of faith. This tradition describes an honest man, how he goes through a tormenting experience of uncertainty. In Today’s first reading Abraham who such a long time didn’t have child but in his old age finally got his only son, Isaac. God ask him to go to the land of Moriah and to offer his son as a holocaust. It must be a very difficult moment for him to understand and to accept what God has ask from him.
Jesus’ disciples were admiring Jesus for his miracles, his love and care for every people. And on the top of the mountain they saw Jesus was transfigured. It must be very difficult for them to understand that after coming down from the mountain, Jesus revealed to them for the second time that he should undergo suffering and death.
How do we stand fast when shadows of uncertainty and doubt are tormenting us? We could pray: “Father of light...free us from the original darkness that shadows our vision. Restore our sight that we may look upon your Son who calls us to repentance and a change of heart”. We can also pray: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”.
Fr. Jonas Tandayu, MSC, Pastor
