2nd Sunday of Lent 

Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved son.  Listen to Him.” (Mark 9:7).

“Listen to Him” Listen to what Jesus said 6 days earlier. That Jesus is the Suffering Messiah. But the disciples could not accept it.

“Then Jesus began to tell them that the son of man (a title Jesus used for Himself) must suffer many terrible things and rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead.” (Mark 8:31).

They wanted Jesus to free Israel from the Roman power and then become their king. James and John even requested Jesus the favor to be prime minister and deputy prime minister “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” (Mark 10:37).

This persisted on ever to after the Resurrection, before the Pentecost. So when the apostles were with Jesus they kept asking Him,” Lord has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our Kingdom?” (Acts 1:6).

It was difficult for the disciples to grasp the idea that their Messiah “must suffer many terrible thing” and “he would be killed.” (Mark 8:31).

The Christian life is not a paved road to wealth and ease. It often involves hard work, persecution, deprivation, and deep suffering.

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

So, if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.” (1 Peter 4:19).

Here on earth, you will have hardships and sorrows but be courageous. I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

Fr.Augustine Wong