Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson
Fathers and Sons. A unique dynamic. Psychologists have a field day explaining it. But even we non psychologists know that it is in contrast with the bond between fathers and daughters. It seems to me to be a straight bold line, as opposed to one softened with curlicues for the girls. At any rate, we somehow know this without ever being taught. We see it played out in the lives of our so-called “nuclear” or immediate families. It is in play in today’s Scripture Readings for the Mass of the Second Sunday in Lent.
Today the Church presents us with one of the most endearing stories of the Old Testament, manifesting the love between father and son, Abraham, and Isaac. Oh, how Abraham the father must have been conflicted at first, but he knew that what God asked of him must be done. Obedience in the raw. But that very obedience so pleased God that a higher form of Divine Father and son took over. Abraham’s reward would be numerous generations of sons and daughters in a chosen nation.
Fast forward through the ensuing centuries and we are allowed to share through Mark’s writing under the Holy Spirit’s guidance the spectacular transfiguration of Jesus of Nazareth to Son of the Most High, as the Archangel had described Him to His Mother Mary some thirty years prior.
Like Abraham on his mountain top, so Jesus on His, love between Father and Son is apparent. But this time there are five witnesses to it. Moses and Elijah, representing respectively the Old Testament Law and Prophecy now bear witness to someone who fulfills both. Peter, James and John, that favored trio of Jesus, look on baffled to see their Master in a new light, literally and figuratively. It will be in the category of something yet to come, also brought about by an incomparable obedience. The nails will be pounded in; the sword will pierce through, and no angel will stop the soldiers of Rome.
All of this puts our obligatory obedience to God in perspective. It provides not only motivation before it but a wonderful reward after it. This is why we choose our Lenten penances: we have not always obeyed God or done so grudgingly. Time for our conversion, don’t you think?
One day a little boy was riding his tricycle around the block, over and over again. Finally, a policeman stopped and asked him why he was going around and around. The boy answered that he was running away from home. Then the policeman asked why he kept going around the block. Then the boy responded, “Because my dad said that I’m not allowed to cross the street.” The point, I trust, is clear obedience will keep you close to those you love.
God love you and have a good Lent.
Reading I: Genesis 22: 1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
Abraham passes God’s test of him, and we witness a powerful sign of the obedience we should give God. Reading to kill Isaac as ordered, his obedience is rewarded; the sword withdrawn, and a glorious reward is promised.
Reading II: Romans 8: 31b-34
This section is a hymn to the love of God for us is made plain to see in the Father’s willingness to hand over His Son to death for our redemption, now that same Son intercedes for us with the Father.
The Gospel: Mark 9: 2-10
In the first part of this story Jesus is established as the beloved Son for all the world to know. In the second part, Jesus’ obedient sonship is placed in the context of Jewish hopes about the kingdom and resurrection.