CAUGHT UP IN HIS GLORY

Meditation for 2^nd Sunday of Lent, Year B

(Gen 22:1-2, 9, 10-13, 15-18)

In our meditation this Sunday, we hear about the beautiful and touching story of how Abraham tried to sacrifice his son Isaac to God. We know it was a tough test for him but we are amazed at the courage and efficiency with which he carried out the instruction, as if it was part of his daily routine! Isaac was his most value treasure; the most important thing he gained in this life, and is leaving behind for posterity. Isaac was Abraham’s answered prayer; the most important thing he ever asked of God, which almost appeared like the reason he was worshipping God. But on mount Moriah, Abraham surprised us, and stripped himself of every human attachment, desire or pleasure. At that moment he raised the knife over his son, Abraham had ‘slaughtered’ whatever is not of God in his life, no matter how good they might be!

The deeper meaning of Abraham’s sacrifice appears in Christ Jesus as we scroll down to the second reading.  Abraham’s sacrifice became a pre-figuration of God the Father who actually sacrificed His only begotten Son for us. So, Jesus SATISFIES the twofold position of Isaac the son and the ‘replacement’ lamb that was sacrificed.  If God did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us, will He not give us all things through Him? Thus, our sentence is paid for; our shame is removed. What is ours now is life—fullness of life in Christ and the crown of His glory. Now that we have been saved by the Lamb, who will condemn us? What is it that can take our hearts away and disqualify us from sharing in His glory?

A foretaste of His glory draws us on! The transfiguration at Mount Tabor was a great force that kept the apostles committed to the mission of Christ. Imagine the glorious moment when they saw the glistering white garments, the appearance of Elijah and Moses, the overshadowing cloud and  heard the voice that pierced the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.” They were so consumed by this brief experience that nothing else mattered to them; they stripped themselves of any earthly attachment at they were caught up in the encounter. It was deep contemplative moment in which the soul is lost in its creator. This is the strength and divine encouragement we have today to ‘slaughter’ whatever that is not of God in us, even more than Abraham.

Therefore, this Lenten season, we draw closer to the Cross of Christ, crucifying every desire and attachment to Him, no matter how important they might be to us. A foretaste of the glory of the Risen Christ awaits us on the mount of His word and Sacraments. Our participation in these mysteries must consume our hearts, such that we remain caught up in these mysteries. This is how we begin to find MEANING, RELEVANCE and SATISFACTION in the mysteries of Christ Jesus. Then, we can say, “It is no longer I who live, but is Christ who lives in me. This live I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave His life for me” (Gal 2:20). Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saint Stephen Catholic Church,
Agboju, Lagos.
Sunday February 28^th, 2021.
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