• All the readings together
• Genesis 12:1-4
• Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22
• 2nd Timothy 1:8b-10
• Matthew 17:1-9
FR. MARK'S HOMILY 2ND SUNDAY OF LENT
Video above not working?
• Click here to listen on YouTube
• OPENING IMAGE
Life's curve balls, life's hardships ...
Today's second reading: "Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God." (2nd Timothy 1:8b)
• TRANSITION TO CORE MESSAGE
When life throws you a curve ball, most of us pray and ask God for help. Today's Responsorial Psalm: "Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you." (Psalm 33:22)
One of two things will happen: either you'll have "evidence" that God has heard you or you will not have "evidence" that God has heard you.
One of two things will happen: either you'll have "evidence" that God has heard you or you will not have "evidence" that God has heard you.
• MAN'S PATTERN: WHEN YOU HAVE EVIDENCE
It's easier to trust because you "see" God's presence.
• MAN'S PATTERN: WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE EVIDENCE
• MAN'S PATTERN: WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE EVIDENCE
When we don't "see" or "feel" God it's easy to take control of the situation.
• "EVIDENCE" ... IN THE TRANSFIGURATION
In today's Gospel Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain revealing the God's glory and further strengthening in the disciples Jesus' identity as the Son of God.
Today's Gospel: "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.'" (Matthew 17: 8-9)
"Evidence" such as the transfiguration helps the Apostles during the challenging days of the Passion.
Today's Gospel: "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.'" (Matthew 17: 8-9)
• "EVIDENCE" ... IN THE LIFE OF ABRAM/ABRAHAM
"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" (Genesis 1-2)
The "blessing" or the promise is connected to "I will make of you a great nation." In other words, God promises children. However, years pass ... and no children.
11 years later ... no children! Without the "evidence" of God's blessing, Abram eventually takes matters into his own hands. His trust in God is threatened. (see Genesis, chapter 16)
• CORE MESSAGE: THE HOMILY IN ONE SENTENCE
When we don't have "evidence" of God's presence we need to trust.
Today's Responsorial Psalm: "Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you." (Psalm 33:22)
Recorded Sunday, March 16, 2014 at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Thibodaux, Louisiana. © Fr. Mark Toups, 2014
"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" (Genesis 1-2)
The "blessing" or the promise is connected to "I will make of you a great nation." In other words, God promises children. However, years pass ... and no children.
11 years later ... no children! Without the "evidence" of God's blessing, Abram eventually takes matters into his own hands. His trust in God is threatened. (see Genesis, chapter 16)
When we don't have "evidence" of God's presence we need to trust.
Today's Responsorial Psalm: "Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you." (Psalm 33:22)
JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM SUNDAY
