If God is with us no one can be against us!

February 25, 2024 Second Sunday of Lent
Daily Readings: Genesis 22:1-2,9a, 10-13, 15-18, Romans 8:31b-34, Mark 9:2-10

A test or temptation is something that every human being or nation goes through in life at some point in time or another. Those who believe in God have a system that sustains them, while those who don't believe in God tend to give meaning to it in their own way. Abraham's faith in God and endurance sustained him during his test, enabling him to become the father of nations.

When Jesus When Jesus faced temptation, his confidence in the Father sustained him, and he was fortunate to receive comfort from the angels. That is why St. Paul the Apostle was able to realize that if God is with us, no one can be against us. God is always with us, but the question that human beings will have to keep asking individually is if they are with God or not. God cannot abandon His people, but that is not true for human beings, who are vulnerable when the Spirit of God does not work in them.

The text from the Book of Genesis presents the episode of Isaac’s sacrifice. The whole purpose of this event is to test Abraham’s obedience. God introduces Isaac as “your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love” (Gen 22:2). The text demonstrates how important Isaac is to Abraham, who was born at the age of one hundred. Despite being Abraham's last resort, as Abraham says, God asks him to offer Isaac as a burnt offering.

At the end of the episode, God appreciates Abraham for not withholding his son. This demonstrates how much Abraham took God’s word seriously and obeyed Him. Once again, God promises Abraham to bless and make his offspring numerous. He also raised his son Isaac as an obedient and loyal child. He listened to his father, carried the wood for the sacrifice, allowed him to tie, and, in silence, waited for him to raise the sword. God wants to see how serious and genuine Abraham is about his promise. He never disappointed God. Nothing was more important to Abraham than God and His word. That's why he has become a blessing and a source of blessing for humanity.

The gospel reading describes Jesus' Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. Jesus chose the inner circle—the disciples, such as Peter, James, and John—to witness it. Jesus reveals his glory and his divine form. Jesus converses with Moses and Elijah. Jesus prepares the disciples for the progressive revelation of Jesus as the Suffering Servant (cf. Isa 42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-11; 52:13–53:12). Through a mysterious event, Jesus prepares his disciples to understand what we call today the mystery of our faith: his passion, death, and resurrection.

Call to Action for Catholic Living: Tests and temptations strengthen us. We must deal with them with faith rather than consider them moments of despair. Do I possess that kind of faith?