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Men of Epiphany will be meeting this Saturday, March 3rd, 6:30 a.m. in the Hearth room. If you can make it, this study is a marvelous preparation for each week's Mass readings.

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Hearing God Speak to Us,

At Mass or Through Prayer and Scripture Reading

Sunday, March 4, 2007
Second Sunday in Lent
Genesis 15:5-12,17-18
Psalm 27:1,7-9,13-14
Philippians 3:17–4:1
Luke 9:28-36

Click here for readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

Who can forget the “bargain” that Abraham tried to make with God when he interceded on behalf of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah? That was pretty bold of him, wasn’t it? Think, too, about how David, Job, Isaiah, and Paul all communicated with the Lord. And we all know about Mary’s conversation with the angel Gabriel. In fact, the more you look at the Bible, the more stories you find about ordinary human beings actually speaking with—and hearing from—Almighty God. It’s on almost every page of Scripture!

All of these divine encounters are summed up and capped off by the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration. If none of the other stories in the Bible convinces us, perhaps this amazing event can help us believe that communication with heaven really is possible.

The story of Jesus’ Transfiguration prompts us to ask a key question: Does my experience at Mass, in prayer, or while reading Scripture, include being influenced by Jesus? Does it include the promise that I can hear from heaven and be changed by what I hear? We may not know exactly what it feels like when Jesus is speaking to us, but there are a few signs we can be on the lookout for.

Perhaps you feel a desire in your heart to praise Jesus and thank him for his love. Perhaps you experience a growing hatred of sin and the way it separates you from the peace of Christ. You may feel a great sense of happiness, peace, or joy—especially after receiving the Eucharist. Or possibly you will find yourself moved to show greater love for your family. Or maybe you will experience a growing desire to serve the Lord, whether in your parish or in your community. Don’t discount these feelings! Jesus works in many ways, and the more we respond to him, the more confident we will be in his love.

“Jesus, save me today when temptation begins its bullying. I trust your promise that everyone who calls on your name will be saved. I thank you, Lord, even beforehand, for delivering me, for your faithfulness and your love for me.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.    Lent is not an isolated personal affair. As we begin this Second Sunday in Lent, we are reminded in the first reading that beginning with Abraham we belong to a great people to whom God has given a promise and a covenant. Your family and your parish are part of the people of God. What steps are you taking this Lent to help your family and your parish prepare for the Easter celebration?

2.    The Responsorial Psalm is a prayer in which we tell God that we will not hide from him, but rather seek his presence. What does the Psalmist say is the benefit of such seeking? What practical steps can you take this Lent to spend more time seeking God in prayer?

3.    In the second reading, St. Paul, who so loved the Christian community that he called it his “joy and crown,” reminds us that our true “citizenship is in heaven.” What do you think St. Paul meant by this statement? What approach can you take this Lent (e.g., almsgiving and fasting) that will provide evidence of where your true citizenship resides?

4.    In the Gospel, both the law and the prophets (Moses and Elijah), as well as the very voice of the Father himself, bear witness to Jesus. The Holy Father, in his teachings and his writings, repeatedly asks us to be a witness to others for Jesus. What are some obstacles in your life in bearing witness to Jesus? What are some ways you can overcome them?

5.    The Gospel says that Jesus went up on the mountain with the disciples to pray. Prayer was obviously as hard for them as it sometimes is for us. They fell asleep! As a fellowship of Catholic men, how can you support and encourage each other this Lent to pray and seek the face of the Lord, individually and together?

6.    The meditation contains these challenging words: “The story of Jesus’ Transfiguration prompts us to ask a key question: Does my experience at Mass, in prayer, or while reading Scripture, include being influenced by Jesus? Does it include the promise that I can hear from heaven and be changed by what I hear?” Do you agree with these words? Share a time when you believe you heard God “speak” to you. What was the impact on your life?

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen