READINGS FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR A, SUNDAY 5TH MARCH, 2023
First Reading: Genesis 12:1-4
Psalm: 32
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1:8-10
Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9
REFLECTION BY FR CORNELIUS NWAOGWUGWU, CM
LENT: A TIME TO LISTEN TO JESUS MORE DEEPLY
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Welcome to the Second Sunday of Lent, Year A. In today’s reflection, we will examine the need for us to listen to Jesus more deeply. This reflection will help us to rediscover the power of listening to Jesus. It will also reshape our perception and understanding of the mysterious realities of our time.
Today’s readings focus our attention to renewed vigour for listening especially during this Lenten season. We are called to renew our spiritual life during Lent. When our lives are Spirit-filled, we will radiate Christ’s love and mercy within our families, communities and our world. We have to transform our lives during this Lent by listening to Jesus Christ and to one another.
Our world is full of people who cause more problems in the process of solving challenging problems. Our challenges today range from leadership crisis, terrorism, ecological crisis, covid 19 to Russian-Ukraine crisis and unknown crisis in other parts of the world.
In the midst of all these challenges facing us today, we ask ourselves some relevant questions: do we listen to Jesus Christ? Do we also listen to one another? When we listen, do we pay attention to what we hear? When listening, do we hear what others are saying? Do we strive to understand the meaning of what others say to us?
Different people can generate different opinions to these questions. However, the truth remains that listening is a powerful virtue and is very important in our time. Listening is also an act and a skill for resolving problems. It involves “affective, cognitive and behavioural processes”. These processes of listening include the motivation to listen to others. It also include understanding and interpretation of the content of what we hear and how we respond to what we hear from others.
Listening from the perspectives of these three complimentary processes can change the way we see things, the way we think and the way we behave. Listening brings about a change of attitude.
The need for us to listen to Jesus Christ more deeply was revealed in today’s Gospel. It narrates how “Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone.” It says that Jesus transfigured in their presence and suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with Jesus. As Jesus was still speaking with them, “suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and from the cloud there came a voice which said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.” (Matthew 17:1-9).
In this Gospel, God has made known to us the identity of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. He is beloved by the Father. God the Father commands us to listen to Jesus Christ because He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We need to listen to Jesus Christ and also listen to one another.
Listening to Jesus Christ enhances our perception and motivation to listen to others. It improves our understanding and interpretation of the content of what we hear. It enhances how we respond to each other in love. Listening enhances a life of humility, obedience, forgiveness and generosity in us. It helps us to take the Word of God seriously and do God’s will.
Listening to Jesus transforms us. Listening to Jesus more deeply changes the way we see things and the way we think. It brings about a change of attitude. It enhances a life of faith in us. Listening to Jesus brings us closer to God. Listening to Jesus allows us to share in His death and resurrection. Jesus gives us strength and transforms our lives.
To enhance our understanding of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection, we must listen to Him. Listening to Jesus makes us aware of His Divine mercy and glory. It also gives us a glimpse of the heavenly glory awaiting those who do God’s will. Our faith is transformed and strengthened when we listen to Jesus. Listening to Jesus strengthens us in our time of trial.
In our moments of despair, hopelessness, doubts, pains and suffering do we listen to God’s consoling words: “This is my beloved Son, Listen to Him.” We need to listen to Jesus Christ. This means that we need to be guided more deeply by the Word of God and the teachings of the Church.
The Season of Lent calls us to listen more deeply to Jesus who uncovers the mysteries around us. We have to transform our lives during this Lent by listening to God and to one another. During this Lent, we are called to renew our spiritual life. When our lives are Spirit-filled, certainly, we will radiate Christ’s Love and Mercy within our families and communities.
We pray during this period of Lent that God will give us His grace to listen to Jesus and to one another more attentively. In doing this, we will embrace a total change in our orientation and attitude to life in line with the spirit and ideals of Jesus Christ now and forever. Amen.
Fr. Cornelius Nwaogwugwu, CM