FINDING PLEASURE IN HIS COMPANY

On this second Sunday of Lent, we are presented with three names of people who the various circumstances of their person and lives notwithstanding, built their relationship with God through such faith that is made manifest in good deeds. Scripture tells us that, ‘…in those days, God brought Abram outside and said, ‘Look towards heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them. ‘Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be’. Abram believed the Lord and he counted it to him as righteousness’ (cf. Gen 15:5-12. 17-18). We also hear St. Paul encouraging us in the words, ‘Brothers and sisters, ‘join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us…’ (Phil 3:17-4:1). In the gospel we read of Peter’s spontaneous reaction after witnessing the transforming experience of the Lord’s transfiguration in the company of James and John (cf. Lk 9:28b-38).

Beloved People of God, finding pleasure in his company is a gift that we can all pray for. We can pray to be among those who derive joy in his presence. We pray and yearn for such a time when we can genuinely and truly say, that we feel so happy when we come into your presence and actually long to remain in his company. Lenten season offers us such opportunity when such relationship can be formed with our Blessed Lord. This grace-filled season is an auspicious time to form such bond with the Lord.

We know that Abram later became Abraham. We know that Saul later became Paul, and Simon later became Peter. All this happened as their relationship, their friendship with God grew and deepened. We too can yield to God who reaches out to us through faith in Our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ. May this faith transform our innermost being till we are able to exclaim with the psalmist, that the Lord is my light and my salvation.

We pray that though we have been saved through faith, through prayer, fasting and charity, we too may defeat the tempter, our ancient enemy. This Season of Lent especially, and always, may we read the word of God and be equipped with answers from the Scripture that will surely help us to refute the tempter’s words and empty promises.

Fr. Ted