Readings for Sunday, March 17 — Second Sunday in Lent

Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Psalm 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14; Philippians 3:20-4:1; Luke 9:28b-36

Suggested Reflection Questions:

• The psalmist reminds us that if God is indeed our light and our salvation then we have no need to fear. What (or whom) do you fear the most? Share that fear with a priest during a Lenten confession. How can you find the courage to face this fear?
• Paul instructs the church in Philippi that their citizenship is not of this world but of heaven. Christ will take our lowly, vulnerable human bodies and make them like his own glorified body. Why does Paul suggest that our bodies are also part of God’s plan for our sanctification and not just our souls? If bodies are so important to God, how does this impact the way we treat — and should treat — other people?
• The disciples wait as Jesus — clothed in glorious light — converses with Moses and Elijah on the mountaintop. They become filled with wonder and fear. The voice of God thunders from the cloud proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God and the disciples should listen to him. The majesty of what they witnessed causes them to feel afraid, but the reassurance they receive from God gives them courage to follow Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem and the cross. What gives you courage? How can this help you follow Jesus through Lent to the cross? Even when you are afraid, who is someone that also gives you reassurance to become courageous?