1st reading: Genesis 12:1-4
Psalm 32 (33): 4-5, 18-20, 22
2nd reading: 2Timothy 1:8-10
Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9
Sometimes we say, “It’s impossible.”
But Jesus says in Luke 18:27, “Things that are impossible for men are possible for God.”
But Jesus says in Luke 18:27, “Things that are impossible for men are possible for God.”
Sometimes we say, “I’m too tired.”
But Jesus says in Matt 11:28 “Come to me all you who labour and are overburdened and I will give you rest.”
But Jesus says in Matt 11:28 “Come to me all you who labour and are overburdened and I will give you rest.”
Sometimes we say, “Nobody really loves me.”
But in John 3:16 we read that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.
But in John 3:16 we read that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.
Sometimes we say, “I can’t go on.”
But Jesus told Paul, “My grace is enough for you: for power is at full stretch in weakness.” (2Cor.12:9)
But Jesus told Paul, “My grace is enough for you: for power is at full stretch in weakness.” (2Cor.12:9)
Sometimes we say, “I can’t figure things out.”
But in Prov.20:24 we read that God guides human steps.
But in Prov.20:24 we read that God guides human steps.
Sometimes we say, “I can’t do it.”
But Paul wrote in Phil.4:13, “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.”
But Paul wrote in Phil.4:13, “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.”
Sometimes we say, “I’m not able.”
But Paul wrote in 2Cor.9:8, “There is no limit to the blessings which God can send you – he will make sure that you will always have all you need for yourselves in every possible circumstance, and still have something to spare for all sorts of good works.”
But Paul wrote in 2Cor.9:8, “There is no limit to the blessings which God can send you – he will make sure that you will always have all you need for yourselves in every possible circumstance, and still have something to spare for all sorts of good works.”
Sometimes we say, “I can’t forgive myself.”
But Paul wrote in Rom 8:1, “Those who are in Christ Jesus are not condemned, the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
But Paul wrote in Rom 8:1, “Those who are in Christ Jesus are not condemned, the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
Sometimes we say, “I can’t manage.”
But Paul wrote in Phil.4:19, “God will fulfill all your needs in Christ Jesus as lavishly as only God can.
But Paul wrote in Phil.4:19, “God will fulfill all your needs in Christ Jesus as lavishly as only God can.
Sometimes we say, “I’m afraid.”
But in 2Tim.1:7 we read, “God’s gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power and love and self-control.”
But in 2Tim.1:7 we read, “God’s gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power and love and self-control.”
Sometimes we say, “I’m always worried and frustrated.”
But Peter wrote in 1Pet. 5:7, “Unload all your worries onto God since he is looking after you.”
But Peter wrote in 1Pet. 5:7, “Unload all your worries onto God since he is looking after you.”
Sometimes we say, “I’m not smart enough.”
But Paul wrote in 1Cor.1:30 “God has made you members of Christ Jesus and he is our wisdom.”
But Paul wrote in 1Cor.1:30 “God has made you members of Christ Jesus and he is our wisdom.”
Sometimes we say, “I feel all alone.”
But in Heb.13:5 God says, “I will never fail or desert you.”
But in Heb.13:5 God says, “I will never fail or desert you.”
(the arrangements were taken from www.frtommylane.com)
Faith: Witnessing to the Power and Immensity of Gods Majesty
In the first and Gospel readings of today we experienced with Abram, Peter, James and John the glory of what the future holds in God.
Abram was asked to move from his comfortable zone into an unknown (but only known to God) land for him to experience Gods majesty. He waited for about twenty-five years (for he was seventy-five years when God asked him to move from his land) before he experienced the fulfilment of Gods promise of great descendants, when Isaac was born. Even though it was a long wait but its worth it. Today we call him 'our father in faith'.
Sometimes our present suffering is in preparation for a well deserved place/joy in the future. Sometimes what it may take is for us to move from our present comfortable zone (It may be our pride, malice, wealth, friends, job or even food and this reminds us of our Lenten obligation to fast and abstain from certain things) into our promised land. The question now is: how long do we have to wait for this promised land? The answer can only be: As long as it takes!
In the Gospel reading, Peter, James and John were given the opportunity to experience the glory/scandal of the cross through the transfiguration of Christ. What they saw was a sign pointing to the nature of Jesus as God-man and the exultation that awaits Him (and everyone of us) after his suffering and death on the cross.
With faith we can experience beyond our natural eyes. Faith allows us patients and grace. Abram, with faith, saw beyond what he would not have seen with his ordinary eyes. He obeyed and his prayers were answered. On the mountain, Peter, James and John experienced beyond the human-appearance of Jesus. They saw his future glory and majesty. Let us, with faith, look beyond our present suffering through the mirror of our former blessings then we shall see that God is really with us, He will never leave nor abandon us on our own.
"... bear the hardships for the sake of the Good News, relying on the power of God 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". (2Tim. 1:8-10)
May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you!
Fr. James Anyaegbu
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