SECOND
SUNDAY OF LENT - (cycle C) 1998
SECOND
SUNDAY OF LENT - (cycle C) 1998
Philippians 3:17-4:1 or 3:30-4:1
Luke 9:28-36
Relatively early in God's relationship with Abram, the dialogue between them leads Abram to a deeper faith (righteousness) and recognition of God's plans for him. Abram pleads to God for a son since it would appear that a slave or servant (Eliezer) Would be his heir if there were no son. God speaks with assurance and care, and Abram knows that all will be well; there will be innumerable descendants, direct descendants, because he is righteous, "he put his faith in the Lord."
The sacrifice of animals and birds was a familiar ritual at Abram.'s time, by which parties ratified a covenant. While Abram sleeps, God's mysterious presence is signified by smoke and fire. This is one of many theophanies in the Old Testament; it prepare us for today's gospel. smoke and fire indicate the presence of God who accepts sacrifice. God then again speaks of the promise of a great land.
Verses from Psalm 27 move from acknowledging God's loving presence to directly petitioning the Lord to be close in time of need. This prayer moves from a faith-filled statement to earnest pleading for the presence of God: "Your presence, 0 Lord, I seek" (vs. 8). A lesson at this point, and not just in reference to today's response, is that the psalms used as response to readings from the Old and New Testaments are invaluable lessons on prayer. They teach us how to pray in so many different situations and circumstances. Today, the case in point, this psalm pleads: "Hear, 0 Lord, the sound of my call; have pity on me, and answer me" (vs. 7).
With the other readings today this psalm provides both a lesson on a clear trust in God who takes away all fear, and a need to experience more directly God's presence: You my glance seeks ... Hide not your face from me" (vs. 8-9).
Can you relate to the sentiments of this prayer? Does it give you words that many of our prayer formulas do not? Note the power of the final verses of today's response: "I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord with courage; be stout hearted, and wait for the Lord" (vs. 13-14). This is a prayer of strong, quiet trust from one willing to wait for God's salvation, God's answer.