Sunday March 5, 2023

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“We enjoy life much more when we live according to our true identity.”

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Good News Reflection for:

Second Sunday of Lent
March 5, 2023

Today’s Prayer:

My Father, forgive me for not believing You when You say that I am Your “Beloved Son.” Sometimes I do not appreciate the life and gifts You have given me. I ask You for the grace to be more aware each day of Your deep love for me. Amen.

Subscribe to Today’s Saint Quote & Prayer:
gnm.org/SaintQuotes/

Today’s Readings:

Genesis 12:1-4a
Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22
2 Timothy 1:8b-10
Matthew 17:1-9
bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030523.cfm
USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
bible.usccb.org/podcasts/audio/daily-mass-reading-podcast-march-5-2023

The Transfiguration for your life today

Atop Mount Tabor, the pure light of Christ was revealed, as seen in this Gospel reading. The Father said, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”

The transfiguration is repeated every time we listen to him and allow our faith to be enlightened more today than it was yesterday. Now it is we who are transfigured! We are transformed into our true identity. What is our true identity? It’s our innermost being, which was created in the image of God and baptized into the likeness of God.

We enjoy life much more when we live according to our true identity. For example, how do you feel when you’re impatient? Not so good, right? That’s because God is patient (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 for a description of his true identity and yours), and when we are patient, we are much happier.

During Lent, by humbly examining how Christ-like we are and repenting from our sins, we let his light consume the darkness within us.

Jesus left his mountaintop experience to fulfill his calling. Following Christ, we too leave our mountaintops to do what God has gifted us to do. Although there is, as the reading from Timothy points out, hardship in living a holy life, we can be comforted by the fact that after every Calvary there is always an Easter. We can rely on “the strength that comes from God.”

Listen. Can you hear what God is saying about you? It’s the same words he spoke about Jesus on Mount Tabor: “This is my beloved child; listen to him/her.” What are you saying as Christ’s partner in ministry?

Questions for Personal Reflection:
What’s going on in your life that you would like Jesus to transfigure? What will you do this week to expose it to Jesus’ healing light?

Questions for Community Faith Sharing:
1. As you read the passage from Genesis, how does it feel to think that others could “find a blessing in you”? How does Jesus bless others through you?

2. Timothy reminds us of our holiness. Recall a time when you were enlightened by a new understanding of the faith. How did that change your behavior?

3. In the Gospel story, because the Father was so pleased with his Son, he affirmed him publicly. How do you know when the Father is pleased with you?

To help you reflect further on this, go to our Faith Booster: “The Only Jesus” @ https://wordbytes.org/faith-booster-minis/the-only-jesus/

© 2023 by Terry A. Modica

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