The Second  Sunday of Lent

February 28, 2021

What is the hallmark of a true Christian? Perhaps some may a bristle at the term “true Christian” but what I’m trying to define is not one who is ‘better than others’ but rather identify those characteristics that mark an individual as truly a follower of Jesus.  In this reflection, I ask you to consider one quality that is present in everyone who deeply desires to be a disciple of Christ.  That trait is this: the ability to trust completely in the Lord.  We see this reflected in Abraham in his unquestioning willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, and we see it also in the disciples’ willingness to follow Jesus no matter where He goes.  When we have complete faith and trust in the Lord then that trust will help us overcome fear in our lives. Let me close with a powerful quotation from Fr. Jacques Philippe:  “What really hurts is not so much suffering as the fear of suffering.  If welcomed trustingly and peacefully, suffering makes us grow.  It matures and trains us, purifies us, teaches us to love unselfishly, makes us poor in heart, humble, gentle, and compassionate toward our neighbor.  Fear of suffering, on the other hand, hardens us in self-protective, defensive attitudes, and often leads us to make irrational choices with disastrous consequences.”

Jesus, I Trust in You!