Second Sunday of Lent
See also:
- Gospel Commentary, by Msgr. João Scognamiglio Clá Dias, EP
- God Offers Us Struggle and Glory
- “Listen to Him”
Mass Readings
First Reading – Gn 12:1-4a
The LORD said to Abram: “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you. “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the communities of the earth shall find blessing in you.” Abram went as the LORD directed him.
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22. (R. 22)
R. Lord, let Your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in You.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all His works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full. R.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear Him,
upon those who hope for His kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine. R.
Our soul waits for the LORD,
Who is our help and our shield.
May Your kindness, O LORD, be upon us
who have put our hope in You. R.
Second Reading – 2 Tm 1:8b-10
Beloved: Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to His own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made manifest through the appearance of our Savior Christ Jesus, Who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
Gospel – Mt 17:1-9
Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; His face shone like the sun and His clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with Him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If You wish, I will make three tents here, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Featured Saints
St. Lucius I, Pope (†254). Successor of St. Cornelius. Soon after ascending the pontifical throne, he was exiled by the Emperor Valerian. When he was able to return, he energetically fought against the Novatian heretics.
St. Theophilus. Confessor e and bishop of Caesarea, second century.
St. Virgil of Arles, Bishop (†c. 618) He offered hospitality in his diocese in Gaul to St. Augustine of Canterbury and the other monks sent from Rome by St. Gregory the Great to evangelize England.
St. John Joseph of the Cross, priest (†1734). Franciscan who followed the example of St. Peter of Alcantara, restoring the discipline of the Rule in many convents of the region of Naples, Italy.
St. Gerasimus, hermit(†475). A former merchant who was converted on the banks of the River Jordan by St. St. Euthymius, Gerasimus thenceforth dedicated himself to a life of austerity and penance in Jericho.
St. Adrian of Caesarea, martyr (†309). Sent to help persecuted Christians in Caesarea of Palestine, he was imprisoned, thrown to a lion, and finally beheaded.
St. Phocas the Gardener, martyr (†fourth century). Generous and hospitable, he was beheaded in Sinop, Turkey, simply for being Christian.
Blessed Christopher Macassoli , priest (†1485). Born to the Milanese nobility, he became a Franciscan at the age of 20. A great preacher, he worked numerous conversions and miracles.
Blessed Jeremiah of Wallachia, religious (†1625). Capuchin friar who joyfully practised charity toward the needy for more than forty years.
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