The Sunday scripture readings in Lent each year present for our instruction and prayerful reflection some of the major milestones on the road of salvation history, and in the life of Jesus. The calling of Abram to put his trust completely in God; and the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain: how do these two events figure in my present life? If I sometime feel, or say, that my faith is weak or inadequate, am I perhaps unwittingly blaming God because I haven't got the courage or strength to trust Him? Yet my faith itself is His gift; so, why do I hold on to my fears and rely on my own weakness rather than His grace? The Lord asked Abram to do something radical and heroic, without any 'guarantee' of His promise being fulfilled, and Abram trusted Him hugely.

He asks me to love and has shown me how it is done, in the life of Jesus. In that extraordinary event on the mountain, He's even pointed out to me His beloved Son in glory now, telling me to listen to Him. And I'm still hesitant, afraid to give myself in love without limit? Through my prayer this Lent, may I have the grace to catch a glimpse of His glory. Such a vision would not be a personal guarantee, but something to share with others. Coming down the mountain, Jesus told His disciples not to talk yet about the vision they'd experienced, but now is the time and it's my calling.