One day, I was setting up my new router after cutting ties with cable and diving into the wonderful world of streaming TV. As part of that process, I had to connect my TV and computer to Wi-Fi. Without entering a passcode or connecting to Wi-Fi, I would never have been able to receive signals in response to my searches.
The Gospel for the second week of Lent focuses on the transfiguration of Jesus. The disciples were able to witness the divine glory of Jesus, but more importantly, they were given hope in times of darkness. As disciples, their task was to receive God’s signal and use it to help others see the transformative light. We, too, are disciples called to unleash the Gospel and are reminded to live as examples of faith, trust, and divine transformation. We can guide others by demonstrating a life centered on Christ, and by trusting in God’s promises, we can inspire hope in those who struggle with doubt. We can reflect His light to those in darkness, but first, we need to be open to receiving His “Wi-Fi signal” by “entering our passcode” through prayer so that God can reveal Himself to us.
The second reading features God speaking with Abram, calling him to trust in something beyond his understanding. God asked him to look up and try to count the stars, which represented his many descendants. Interestingly, the Lord told Abram to do this during the day. Abram couldn’t see the stars during the day, but the Lord was trying to teach him that he would need faith and trust in Him; the descendants would be there even if he couldn’t see them! This passage is another reminder that transformation begins with trust—trust in God’s plan, even when the path is unclear. Like Abram, we must trust in God’s promises, and like the disciples, we must open our minds and hearts to connect to God’s “Wi-Fi signal” through prayer so we can listen to His voice. Then, we can share this light by encouraging faith in others, walking with them in their doubts, and reflecting God’s presence with our words and actions. Transformation happens when we witness God’s power and share that vision with those around us. This Lenten season, come into the desert with us, walk the Stations of the Cross, and share meals with us to connect with your fellow disciples. Connect with God so that you, too, may go out and help others see the transformative light within you!
