It is one of the most precious things in life to have a house and a home into which one can go at any time and find rest and understanding and peace and love. That was doubly true for Jesus, for He had no home of His own: He had nowhere to lay His head. (Luke 9:58) In the home at Bethany, He had just such a place. There, three people loved Him & there He could find rest from the tension of life. Their house was a home for Him.

The first reading and the gospel have a common message, in the sense that both readings present to us the human and divine way of seeing things. Most often human judgment is defective because it looks at outside appearance while divine light looks at the inner core of the person, which is the heart. The divine wisdom of God far outweighs the human wisdom and knowledge. God saw something in young David which Jesse and his sons could not recognize. David was in the field tending the sheep of his father when God chose him to be the leader and king of His people. Even though he was young and inexperienced, God saw his heart and chose him to lead His people. His strength and success came not from himself but from God who anointed him with the power and wisdom of His own spirit.

The first reading narrates how the people of Israel complained against Moses because they have no water to drink. Moses cried to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people, a little more and they will stone me.” The Lord told Moses to strike the rock with his staff and water will flow from it for the people to drink. Moses struck the rock which made water come out and the people had more than enough. The provision of water for the people in the desert demonstrates to us that God cares for His people whenever they are in need. It is also a sign that God is the one who sustains our lives. If God can make water flow in the desert, it means that God can sustain our lives even in the most difficult moments and situations of our lives. In the desert of our lives, let us always call to God and He will answer and provide for us.

The liturgy of this second Sunday of Lent invites us on a faith journey to a greater holiness of life, through a profound life of prayer, charity and fasting. These exercises, when done in humility of spirit, draw us closer to God. The journey towards holiness requires faith which motivates us to a life of true prayer and sacrifice. The first reading is a call of Abraham to begin a journey of faith to an unknown destination but known to God who called him. The period of Lent is also a call to begin a journey of faith that will culminate in the death and resurrection of Christ at Easter. Abraham steps out with faith not knowing where he was going but relies on the fact that God is a faithful one who will always keep His promises. As we continue our journey in this season of grace let us not lose sight that His promises are eternal, and God will give us the graces we need.