First
Reading
Genesis 12:1-4a
1. God asked Abraham to leave his family, his society and his home. What was Abraham’s response? Does this incident relate to your Lenten experience in any way? Does God sometimes call you out of your comfort zone or your favorite chair to start something new?
2. God gives Abraham a unique blessing at the start of Abraham’s journey. What would be a “blessing” for you? For whom are you a “blessing”?
Second Reading
2 Timothy 1:8b-10
1. Discuss Pope Francis’ statement: “All of us who are baptized are missionary disciples. We are called to become a living gospel in the world.” Will that involve some hardship? What does Paul’s letter to Timothy say about this? Will there be some joy as well?
2. Does St. Paul say in this reading that it is grace and not our works that save us? Or could it be that both count? Notice where he says, “Bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.”
Gospel
Matthew 17:1-9
1. The voice in the “bright cloud” said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Do you think you listen well to him? Can you relate to Peter, James and John when they fall to the ground and are very much afraid? Why?
2. The Gospels record another time when Jesus and others heard the Father’s voice saying to him, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Do you think that we can join with Jesus in being God’s beloved? Discuss.
