A Journey Begins
From Lent to Pentecost the readings are determined by the seasonal feasts. In all cycles the first two Sundays present the temptation and transfiguration of Jesus, which form a virtual epitome of the Christology of the season. Jesus, taking on human form, humbled himself even to death and was "tested" by his Father, yet this was a presage of his glorification. For the third to the fifth Sundays, two options are available. Churches with catechumens preparing for baptism can choose the great "coming to faith" stories of the Samaritan woman (John 4), the man born blind (John 9) and the raising of Lazarus (John 11) from Cycle A, or follow those chosen for year B or C. In year B, the final three Sundays, all from the Gospel of John, focus more intensely on the paschal mystery. The Old Testament readings present four cardinal figures and events of saving history (covenants with Noah, Moses at Sinai, and Jeremiah’s promise of the new covenant, the testing and blessing of Abraham). Compressed in the Lenten readings are themes, motifs and figures that resound throughout Scripture. The Lenten pilgrimage is best made with the Bible as a guidebook.Praying With ScriptureOnce the favorite Catholic question was, What have you “given up” for Lent? Now we might ask, Can we “give in” to the ways God may be trying to touch our lives?
At moments of trial and testing, place yourself in the desert solitude with Jesus, our compassionate high priest, who is able “to sympathize with our weakness” because he “has similarly been tested in every way” (Heb. 4:15)
Pray over ways in which we as a nation may renew the covenant of care and respect with all living beings.
John R. Donahue, S.J.,Professor of New Testament studiesJesuit School of Theology and Graduate Theological UnionBerkeley, CA
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