Second Sunday of Lent March 7, 2004 Scripture: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 9:28B-36 Reflection: On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates…” Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” The readings for this Sunday challenge us powerfully to recognize and respond to Jesus. The disciples spoke of defining moments from which they went forth as new persons changed by the intense awareness of what it truly means to be a son or daughter of God. For the disciples, this epiphany foreshadowed the death and resurrection of Jesus. Despite how good it was for them to be there and how great the desire to remain in the company of Elijah and Moses, that epiphany, that defining moment ultimately impelled them to action as God’s beloved sons and daughters. By our baptismal covenant we too are called to an intense and tender relationship that defines the core and essence of who we are, what we do and why we do it. We walk in the shadow of our spiritual forefathers and mothers who accompany us in living the Gospel with passion and integrity. What are the defining moments for us that impel us to action as God’s beloved? Suggested Action: Sit in the presence of your forebears and recall a defining moment in your own life. To what action does that moment call you? Who accompanies you as you respond? Sr. Susan Hadzima, IHM Scranton, Pennsylvania