Second Sunday of Lent (C)
"As Jesus prayed, the aspect of his face was changed."
The Word This Week
Every year, on the Second Sunday of Lent, we hear about the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain top. Why? Jesus revealed his glory to the three apostles in order to strengthen them for the journey ahead - the journey to
Notes for Readers
First
Each year, in the first readings, we "revise" the story of God's love. Today we go right back to the beginning, with the call of Abram. This reading is all about Abram's future, promised him by God Gust as the other readings talk about our future inheritance). This is a very dramatic reading especially in the last paragraph, where it is as though the easy informality of God's conversation with Abram gives way to a vision of majesty and power as the Covenant (= pact or agreement) is made. Capture this drama in the way you read - practice different pauses and tone to achieve the best effect - to make people listen to you. Underline each promise God makes - read them with a solemnity which helps people realise their importance.
Second
We have heard about the "homeland" promised to Abram by God, and now we hear about our "Promised Land" - heaven. If you are reading the longer version, then the first part is by way of introduction: it will strike a chord with us in Lent, as we try and avoid sin, and try not to depend on earthly things. All this part is a prelude to the part of the reading which appears as the" shorter form". This section links obviously with the Gospel explaining that the Transfiguration of Jesus is a sign offered to encourage us - that our bodies will be changed as his was. This is our encouragement to "remain faithful in the Lord" - to keep going through Lent. So this reading is the key to today's liturgy: proclaim it with an awareness of its importance.
Wordsearch
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