Lent, 2nd Sunday (C) Moses and Elijah appear to Jesus on a mountain top to help him stand firm. The voice from heaven reminds Jesus to remain in his Father's love.

The apostles are not standing firm. They are, in fact, lying down. God gives them two gifts to help them stand firm: First, they see Jesus radiant with glory of God. Second, they are told to listen to Jesus. Listening to Jesus' voice and doing God's will helps us to stand on solid rock. When we accepted ashes on our foreheads, we accepted dying with Christ. God wants to remind us that the cross and sacrifice lead to the glory of the Resurrection

Abram has to stand firm through a terrifying darkness in order to make a covenant with God. St. Paul encourages the Philippians to stand firm as they experience the cross. Are you standing firm in your Lenten sacrifices? Spend time in prayer every day, then come to the Holy Mountain that is Sunday Mass. May God help you to stand firm this week.

(13 Mar 2022)

Going Deeper: Pray today's Psalm along with Fr. Joel's congregation:

The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life’s refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?

Hear, O LORD, the sound of my call;
have pity on me, and answer me.
Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks.

Your presence, O LORD, I seek.
Hide not your face from me;
do not in anger repel your servant.
You are my helper: cast me not off.

I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.

Image from OCP.com