Lent is a Season of preparation for the whole Paschal Triduum – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday: not just a time to reflect on the Cross. Often our Lenten devotions can focus exclusively on the Cross, and the idea of Baptism can be lost. This is why the Church invites us to join the disciples in looking beyond the cross this Sunday: we see the glory of Easter, the glory of the resurrection and the glory of the baptised. We see all this in the Transfiguration: We are invited to recognise who Jesus is. It is the glorified Jesus, whom we will celebrate at Easter, who calls us to journey through Lent, just as God called Abraham to journey far from his home. So the readings lead to us acknowledge that Lent is a very special ‘calling’, to follow the Lord of glory to the renewal of baptismal purity.
Today’s Scripture: (Psalter: Week 2)
Genesis 12: 1 – 4
Response: Psalm 32
The word of the Lord is faithful
and all his works to be trusted.
The Lord loves justice and right
and fills the earth with his love.
The Lord looks on those who revere him,
on those who hope in his love,
to rescue their souls from death,
to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul is waiting for the Lord.
The lord is our help and our shield.
May your love be upon us, O Lord,
as we place all our hope in you.
(Sung Antiphon: May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.)
2Timothy 1: 8–10
Acclamation for the Gospel:
Glory and praise to you, O Christ!
From the bright cloud the Father’s voice was heard:
‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.’
Glory and praise to you, O Christ!
Matthew 17: 1 – 9
Prayer of the Faithful: R/. Lord, fill the earth with your love
To read Today’s scripture, visit the Catholic Online.
