Homily 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A I Homily 1 March 2026 Year A

 https://youtu.be/zgXe0rWiVF4

My dear friends, on this Second Sunday of Lent, the readings invite us to see faith as a

journey—one that calls us to move, to trust, and to be strengthened along the way.

The first reading taken from the book of Genesis, presents to us the call of Abram. At

the time of Abram in the ancient Near East, family, land, and ancestors were central to

one’s identity and security. When God asks Abram to leave his country, his people, and

his father’s house, it is not a small request. It means leaving behind safety, status, and

certainty, and trusting completely in God’s promise. This passage marks a turning point

in the Bible. Until now, humanity often moved away from God. Now, God takes the first

step and calls one person, Abram, to begin a new journey of faith and blessing for the

whole world. God’s call is clear but open-ended: “Go from your country… to the land

that I will show you.” Abram is not given a map or full details. Instead, he is given a

promise—of land, of blessing, of a great future. Most importantly, God says that through

Abram, all the families of the earth will be blessed. Abram’s journey is not just for

himself; it is for others. In the context of Lent, this reading gives us a lot to reflect on.

Lent is a time of leaving behind what holds us back and moving toward God with trust.

Like Abram, we are called to step out of our comfort zones—habits, attitudes, or

securities that keep us from growing in faith. God may not tell us exactly where the

journey will lead, but He assures us of His presence. What was Abraham’s response?

Scripture simply tells us “So Abram went, as the Lord had told him”. He does not argue

or delay. This Lent, we are invited to imitate that faith—to listen, to trust, and to take the

next step God is asking of us, believing that obedience leads to blessing, not only for

ourselves, but for others as well. What is the one thing God is asking me to leave

behind this Lent?

In the second reading taken from the second letter of Paul to Timothy, St. Paul writes to

Timothy, his young companion in ministry, at a difficult time. Paul is in prison and knows

his life may soon end. Timothy is facing fear, pressure, and opposition as a leader of the

early Christian community. Paul encourages him not to be ashamed of the Gospel or of

Paul’s suffering, but to remain faithful and courageous. Paul reminds Timothy that

suffering for the Gospel is not meaningless. It is shared “with the strength that comes

from God.” Christian life is not always easy, but God never sends us alone. The God

who calls us also gives us the grace to endure challenges. Our faith is not based on our

own ability, but on God’s power working within us. Paul then speaks about God’s great

plan of salvation. God saved us and called us to a holy life, not because of our good

works, but because of God’s own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in

Christ Jesus even before time began. Through the coming of Christ, death has been

defeated and life and immortality have been brought to light. For many people, death is

the greatest fear. It shapes how they live, what they chase, and what they avoid. But for

a believer, death is no longer a dead end. Because of Jesus, life continues, and 

meaning goes beyond this world. Like Timothy, many of us hesitate to live our faith

openly—not because we don’t believe, but because we are afraid. It could be the fear of

speaking about faith at work, or fear of being different or perhaps fear of suffering or

failure. Paul invites us to rely not on our own strength but on God’s power. When we

trust that Christ has already overcome death, we can live with greater freedom,

courage, and quiet confidence—even in difficult times.

Whenever we go on a trek, there comes a point when we feel tired and out of breath. At

that moment, we look for a place to rest—not because we want to quit, but because we

need strength for the climb ahead. That short break helps us continue the journey. The

Transfiguration is like that resting place in our Lenten journey. In the gospel taken from

Matthew, we see that on the mountain, Peter, James and John – the inner circle of

Jesus’ friends, are allowed to see who Jesus truly is. His glory is revealed not to

impress them, but to strengthen their faith. This happens at a crucial moment, just after

Jesus has spoken about suffering, rejection, and the cross. Jesus reveals his glory to

strengthen the disciples before his suffering and death in Jerusalem. The light of the

mountain prepares them for the darkness of the cross. The Transfiguration reminds us

that suffering is not the end of the story. The presence of Moses and Elijah is deeply

meaningful. They stand for the Law and the Prophets, showing that Jesus is not starting

something new apart from God’s plan, but fulfilling everything God has been doing

throughout history. In Jesus, God’s promises come together. Peter’s desire to remain on

the mountain reflects a very human reaction. We all want to hold on to moments of joy,

clarity, and spiritual comfort. Faith lived in comfort is easy; faith lived in difficulty needs

courage. The voice from the cloud shifts the focus to Jesus: “Listen to him.” What

matters most is not the experience, but obedience to Jesus in everyday life—especially

when it leads to sacrifice and service.

Lent is a journey, often difficult, involving sacrifice, self-examination, and the cross. In

our own lives, we too have “mountain moments”—times of prayer, peace, clarity, or joy

when God feels close. We may wish these moments would last forever. But faith is also

lived in the valleys: in daily struggles, doubts, responsibilities, and suffering. God does

not promise that life will always be bright, but He promises His presence. The

Transfiguration tells us that transformation is possible. If we continue to listen to Jesus

and follow him—through the cross—we are being led toward resurrection. The glimpse

of glory on the mountain gives us the hope to keep walking. This Lent, let us take one

step of trust like Abram, one step of courage like Timothy, and one step of listening with

the disciples—and keep walking toward Easter. May God bless us all.