|
|
|
|
Word To Life
|
Sunday Scripture Readings, Feb. 28, 2010
By Jeff Hedglen
Catholic News Service
February 28, Second Sunday of Lent
Cycle C Readings:
1) Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14
2) Philippians 3:17 to 4:1
Gospel: Luke 9:28b-36
Years ago when Michael walked into the parish junior high school program, it quickly became clear that he was going to be a challenge for me as youth minister. He was a brilliant, fun-loving boy with a great sense of humor. The problem was that he was not only smart but also a smart aleck.
He and I had a number of talks after class when he had been inappropriately disruptive. He always rolled his eyes when I would ask him to come see me. On one such occasion I told him that I liked him, I thought he was funny and I liked that he could make the other kids laugh. However, the problem, I explained, was that he did not know the right time to be funny and the right time to hold his tongue.
I also told him that when I was his age, I was the troublesome student in faith formation class. I always had a wisecrack to make that annoyed the teachers. I said that if he could learn when to be funny and when to be serious, we wouldn't have any more problems. That was the last time I had to ask him to stay after class.
Michael went on to become one of my best leaders. When he was in high school he was on the team that assisted with the junior high program, and he helped staff retreats and other youth ministry events throughout college.
Transformation is a key element of Christian life. This week's readings reveal this in a powerful way. Abraham and Sarah, a childless elderly couple, are told they would be the parents of a great nation. St. Paul tells us that in heaven Jesus will "change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body." And the Gospel tells of when Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James and John.
Everywhere we look in the Scriptures and in Christian history, we see people's lives being transformed by the power of God. This life-altering power is not reserved just for the saints and junior high boys; it is also available for all who are willing to embrace the promises of God that come to us in Christ Jesus.
QUESTIONS:
How have you experienced the power of God in your life? Has someone you know had a life-transforming experience?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body" (Philippians 3:21).
END
Copyright © 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
|
|
|
|
