1 March, Sunday – Called and Loved, Called to Love

2nd Sunday of Lent

Gen 12:1-4
2 Tim 1:8-10
Mt 17:1-9

…who has saved us and called us to be holy — not because of anything we ourselves have done but for his own purpose and by his own grace. This grace had already been granted to us, in Christ Jesus.

The 3 passages for this second Sunday of Lent appear to be very tightly woven together. The first reading tells us how Abram was instructed to leave his home and people and to go out, way out, with nothing but his faith in God. The Gospel is about Jesus’ transfiguration, which, in no uncertain terms, tells us who Jesus really is (the Son of God), and that we should follow him (listen to him). The second reading ties everything up nicely as a summary of what we need to hear:  we are called to a journey of holiness, we are empowered by God for this journey, and Jesus has shown us the way.

We are about 12 days into Lent, and for many of us, we may have already fallen off from our Lenten resolutions. It is painfully clear that this journey of holiness is not an easy one. Any journey is not easy when it seeks a betterment of ourselves, because it is hard to deny ourselves and to do what is right. Even a seemingly frivolous journey (like a diet to look better) becomes difficult as time goes by, let alone a spiritual journey to turn towards God and cut out what the world demands from us. Where do we find the strength and the stamina to sustain our efforts?

I often find myself marvelling at the people who serve the church in so many ways. They also serve their own families and communities, secular and non-secular. Where is all their energy coming from? The second reading makes it clear that the strength is given by God. Admittedly, this is a rather abstract concept. What made it somehow easier for me to understand it is to go back and start at the point where God calls us and sets us aside.

We are set apart and given a calling. The calling is to do the will of God. We are also bestowed with graces. We are taught, led, guided, fed, nourished. We do not really lack anything. But, there is still something holding us back from fully giving ourselves entirely to God’s plan. I think it is the lack of knowledge or acceptance of just how much we are loved by God. As humans, we are not always capable of unconditional love and so, it is not easy to imagine God loving us unconditionally. But he very much does. And it is upon the recognition that God loves us unendingly and immensely that we can, in turn, reflect this great love to others. This knowledge of being so beloved will spur us to love and serve in the same way.

If we look at Abram — willing to leave everything behind — and do a character study of him, how would we describe him? ‘Trusting’ is one adjective I would use. One needs to have trust to step out of one’s comfort zone, and Abram stepped very far out of his. Many biblical figures did just that, despite fear or lack of confidence, they eventually trusted in God. Are we capable of the same degree of trust? Why, or why not?

Think about babies, our own children. Do they trust us? How fully? Children trust very fully, especially when all they have known is love and care. They are secure, and appear to have no sense of danger, because they have been kept safe. In all honesty, God has been keeping us safe and loving us securely, but we do not display that same level of trust. Somehow, our trust in God’s love is eroded as we grow up. This is unfortunate and perhaps, it is we ourselves who are at fault. While God is perfect, and so is his love, we are not. We have most certainly played a part in hurting others, in misrepresenting God to others, in causing others to turn away from God in fear or even hate. We ourselves are also victims of such misrepresentations. This is nothing short of a tragedy. But it can be reversed.

Part of our journey is one of healing. As we make this journey to soothe the hurts that we have, it is important to make time to simply be still and look for signs of God’s love all around us. I have been making the effort to slow down here and there just to do this. I have found many. A heart-shaped leaf on the ground, and then another. A pretty flower, a brightly coloured butterfly, an unusual bird song. An unexpected gift, words from someone that you needed to hear. Take the time to notice, to be, to remember and be grateful. Sure, there will be annoyances and anxieties that continue to plague us, but we must also learn to see the good, and the love of God in our lives.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are all called and we are all loved. As God’s beloved children, we are greatly empowered. Rediscover this love that he has for us. Rediscover his strength in you. Find out who you are really meant to be, and what you are meant to do. Go on this journey to holiness, and share your journey. We are called and loved, and now we too must love others.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Felicia Zou)

Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray that we will feel and know your love for us, even in our darkest moments. We pray for the faith to turn to you in all that we do, and the courage to obey your word.

Thanksgiving: Dear Lord, we thank You for Your unending love and patience for us.