Lent has often been described as a journey of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The readings for the Second Sunday of Lent describe two seemingly different journeys. In the Genesis account, God asks Abraham to leave his homeland and journey to the Promised Land. "Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father's house to a land that I will show you." There is a natural reluctance to leave familiar surroundings and venture out of our comfort zone. A real fear of journeying alone is that doing so invites hardship. But Abraham didn't journey alone. God was with him.
In the Transfiguration account in St. Matthew's Gospel, Peter, James, and John journey with Jesus to the top of Mount Tabor. After seeing the transfigured Jesus, there is a reluctance by the apostles to return to normal daily life. "Peter said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.'" Don't we all want to savor these incredible experiences? Yet, they are transitory. However, Jesus remains with the apostles as they descend from the mountain.
It is easier to recognize the Lord's presence with us in the wonderful moments of life than in the challenging and difficult moments; however, the same Jesus is with us despite life's circumstances, through both life's highs and lows. In Lent and throughout our lives, we walk in Jesus's footsteps, but He walks with us. We needn't worry about stepping out into the unknown. We have an excellent companion for the journey.
Sr. Marcella Louise Wallowicz, CSFN
