The Faith of Abraham and Peter.

Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18, Psalm 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14.

Philips 3:17—4:1, Lk 9:28b-36

Again friends sharing a short homily. Today on this second Sunday of Lent, we have listened to the first reading from the book of Genesis. Where we have heard the promise that God has made to Abraham, to make his descendants great and everlasting. In the second reading we heard from St. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, the need to imitate. But not just any imitation, but the true imitation of Christ Jesus, not to be false promoters of the gospel. Then our example will be a true edification for the community, which sees in us the example to follow. And finally in the gospel, we hear the transfiguration of the Lord in front of some of his apostles, where they hear the voice of the Father and confirm the identity of Jesus as the son of the Father.

Reading and meditating on this gospel, I was thinking about two phrases that we have heard, the first one from the book of genesis that says ‘and Abraham put his faith in the Lord’ and the second one in the gospel where Peter speaks and the gospel tells us ‘He did not know what he was saying’. I think of these two phrases as a basis. The reason, very simple. When one makes an act of faith, we don't really know the outcome of our words or those subsequent actions in putting our faith in something or someone. Yet we do, speak and act in a specific way.

The same thing happened today to Abraham and Peter, one a father of the faith and the other a cornerstone of the church and custodian of heaven. They were both paralyzed, they didn't know what to say, they didn't know how to act, only their instincts spoke, out of fear, curiosity, without thought we don't know. But what we can understand about both of them is that they chose to put their faith in the Lord. Perhaps they didn't know the response they would get, however they both knew that they would not end up disappointed to put their trust in the Lord. The reward in putting faith in the Lord for both of them was great, but they did not do it out of power or greatness, but as men in need of God and moved in the face of His greatness they just took a leap of faith.

Today we may see or feel hopelessness, fear, sadness, overwhelm and stress because of the daily problems in our lives. However, I believe that the example that we have today of Abraham and Peter can be an example for us to imitate, just as St. Paul did not tell us to do. To put our faith in the Lord, to let him act in our lives, to allow his grace to touch our lives and live with us. Living in faith does not mean that we will not have problems or disappointments. St. Peter and Abraham did despite their faith in the Lord. Peter was martyred, but his faith was intact. Faith is not a guarantee that we will live without those difficulties, but it does give us the knowledge of how to live with them. Faith allows us to find meaning in our lives, to know how to recognize the greatness of our God who is infinite Love.

Faith enables us to live with greater dignity and reminds us that we are never alone. It strengthens us in times of weakness and sadness, so that in the face of these situations it enables us to live with hope. Let us not be afraid to live a life of faith in God. Let us not let anguish, problems, stress, and stress take our hearts away from him. Let us take a leap of faith and allow ourselves to live confident in the Lord's will, let us live, speak and act with that faith in our lives, that like Peter and Abraham our reward will come from the Lord.

Finally, dear friends, may this Lenten season be a time to renew our faith and to increase our faith, may our desire for God be greater. Have a great Sunday, Greetings in Jesus, missionary and beloved son of the Father.