Posted by The WORD in other words (2020) by Brother Romualdo Abulad SVD – Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
2nd Sunday of Lent – A
In the first reading, Abram — soon to be Abraham — is called to leave the comfort of his home and venture into an unknown land, relying only on the promise of an unseen God (Genesis 12:1–4). His courage was not rooted in certainty, but in faith.
In the second reading, St. Paul exhorts Timothy to endure hardship and lead a holy life, not by relying on human strength, but on the grace given to us in Christ Jesus “before time began” (2 Timothy 1:8–10).
In the Gospel, we hear the story of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–9). Peter, James, and John are overwhelmed by the vision of Christ in glory, and a bright cloud overshadows them. They hear the Father’s voice: “This is my beloved Son… listen to Him.” And then, from Jesus Himself: “Arise, and do not be afraid.”
“Do not be afraid.” These words echo throughout Scripture. God told Joshua: “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Jesus repeated them to His disciples in moments of fear and uncertainty.
Yet fear often dominates our lives:
- Fear of poverty drives us to corruption.
- Fear of rejection tempts us to lie.
- Fear of loneliness leads us to distractions that numb the soul.
- Fear of losing face prevents us from standing for justice and truth.
In reality, many of us wear masks of conviction but hide cowardice within. Fear makes us inauthentic. As the philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti observed, liberation comes when we confront and overcome our fears. But Christ goes further: He does not only teach us to face fear — He gives us His Spirit to conquer it.
The truly courageous person is not the one who hides fear, but the one who entrusts it to God. To be courageous is to be good — ready to face the Lord at any time.
So let us pray: “Lord Jesus, teach me to rise above fear. Help me to trust You in poverty, rejection, loneliness, and trials. May I listen to Your voice and live each day with courage as Your beloved child.”
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