Gen. 12:1-4, Psalm 33, 2 Tim. 1:8-10, Matt. 17:1-9

In the summer of 1972, the song “Day by Day” from the off-Broadway hit Godspell hit #13 on the Billboard pop singles chart. The only words in the song are: “Day by day, oh dear Lord, three things I pray; to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly, day by day.” When we fall in love with Jesus, this becomes our foundational prayer. This Sunday’s readings show us how those who followed Him most nearly and loved Him most dearly were granted the gift of seeing him most clearly.

In the first reading, God calls Abram to, “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.” (Gen. 12:1-4) In obedience, Abram followed God to an unfamiliar land, away from everything and everyone familiar to him, trusting in God’s goodness and faithfulness. For his obedience, God made Abram Abraham, and blessed him with the glory of fathering the Jewish people, through whom the Messiah was born. St. Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy reminds us that Jesus has, “saved us and called us to a holy life,” by “the grace bestowed on us in [Him] before time began.” (2 Tm. 1:8-10) St. Paul’s words remind us that in Christ, we have been given the grace to follow God in obedience like Abraham. Finally, the gospel recounts Jesus’ Transfiguration on the mountain before Peter, James, and John, when “his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.” (Mt. 17:1-9) Jesus revealed His glory to the chosen three disciples who obediently followed Him most nearly. As a confirmation of their faith, God entrusted them with the secret knowledge of seeing Jesus as He is.

Like Abraham, by our own obedience we are called to go forth from our old ways to follow the path of a holy life. St. Paul’s letter reminds us that we have been given the grace to do it. Just like the chosen disciples whose faith was confirmed by witnessing the Transfiguration, as we follow Him day by day, in faith we too will be graced with seeing Him more clearly.

Our writers this week share stories of times when they have encountered God’s glory in their day-to-day lives. As you journey through this second week of Lent, allow the Lord to show you the times He has affirmed your faith by revealing Himself to you more clearly. This may have been a time when you were struck by His power, truth, beauty, or goodness.  Or perhaps you experienced a moment of infused faith, hope, or love. Think about what was going on in your life at the time and how the experience has impacted you. Take time to consider how you have followed Him more nearly, loved Him more dearly, and seen Him more clearly in your day-to-day journey of faith.

The Reflection Team is praying for you as we enter this new week. Don’t forget to let these Sunday Scripture readings be a part of your prayer time each day and let the Lord speak to you through them.