Today’s readings speak of the need to have faith and trust in God. In the first reading, God tells Abram to leave his family and go to the land that God will show him. God promises him wonderful things, if Abram did as he was instructed. We all know how that worked out, Abram did as God asked, and was richly blessed. In the Gospel today we read about Jesus’ transfiguration. What an amazing scene Peter, John, and James were allowed to witness! However, they were also given instructions, similar to what God told Abram in the first reading…”This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” In other words, obey him; follow his teachings, and do as He does. As followers of Jesus, we too are called to “listen to Him.” We hear Him speak to us at every Mass, in the Gospel reading. We also hear Him speak to us in prayer, although it may not be with actual words. But how well do we listen? Do we approach the sacred scriptures with the attitude of “Speak, Lord for I’m listening,” or is it more like “Speak, Lord, and I’ll consider it?” Being Jesus’ disciple isn’t always easy, as St. Paul pointed out to Timothy in the second reading, but God makes it clear that is what we’re supposed to do. Perhaps that is something to reflect on during this Lentin season; are we truly listening with the desire to serve God, or are we trying to follow our own agenda? How can we use this season to do more of the former, and less of the latter? Reflection by parishioner, John Ceglarek