Second Sunday of Lent

Second Sunday of Lent
† Sunday 19th March 2000

Theme: Called to walk in faith in the presence of God

Reading from the Book of Genesis 22: 1 - 2, 9 - 13, 15 - 18
Not strictly history as we might understand it, but a family oral tradition which records Abraham as the loyal person of faith, the example for the tribal family, maybe, whose faith is really put to the ultimate test. When Isaac, the joy of Abraham’s life, his long awaited son and heir accompanies Abraham in the journey up the mountain at God’s bidding and Isaac’s life is demanded in sacrifice. Christina believers, will reflect on the meaning of this passage, and see Christ as God’s Only Son, called to ascend another hill outside Jerusalem, and there to offer life in sacrifice.

Letter of Paul to the Romans 8: 31 - 34
With God on our side who can be against us? There is a confident assurance in this text that confirms us in time of weakness, unbelief, or uncertainty. Well founded, on the understanding that God has chosen us, and looks with favour upon us because of the love of the Only Son of God.

Gospel according to Matthew 9: 2 - 10
However, we interpret this passage of the Gospel, it makes the scandal, the sheer horror of Jesus’ passion and death somehow bearable. The true identity of Jesus is revealed to the disciples and thus to us through the eyes of faith. There is at the same time an intimacy with God the Father, whose voice announces, “This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him,” and at the same moment a towering majesty about the person of Jesus, that reveals he is greater than the greatest of Old Testament figures. With Peter, we can say, “it is wonderful for us to be here!”