Gulf Pine Catholic • February 27, 2026 5 MORE THAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS We are Professional Remembrance Planners Explore the many unique ways to honor and celebrate lives. Call or visit Bradford O’Keefe today. BRADFORD-O’KEEFE FUNERAL HOMES Professional. Compassionate. Dignified. 228-374-5650 • Bradfordokeefe.com Opening Reflection -- Faith “After we jump into the darkness of the unknown, faith lets us believe we will either land on solid ground or be taught how to fall.” (Ann Lamott -- Traveling Mercies). While “safety first” is a good practice for drivers, investors, and comfort seekers, it can hinder our response to God’s call to greater faith. Go Where? Today’s first reading is God’s call of Abraham, accompanied by a promise. “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you.” (Genesis 12:1-2). But this promise came with a catch. Abraham had to leave his comfortable life to follow where God would lead him. He took a leap into the unknown, trusting in God, who knows everything. Most of us instinctively avoid the unknown. However, when embraced with the intention of deepening our faith and trust in God, the unknown yields spiritual benefits. Our faith life can easily become complacent, treating prayer, Mass atten-dance, and church activities as routines rather than opportunities for radical faith transformation. This Lent, be willing to trust the Lord and His Church to lead you to spiritual experiences you can encounter. Read Genesis chapters 12 to 24 during Lent to discover what an exciting journey of trusting God looks like. Trust in God: Today’s Psalm response is appropriately, “Lord, let your mercy be upon us as we place our trust in you.” How strong is my trust in God? Holiness -- The new normal: Paul, writing to Timothy, acknowledges that loyalty to the gospel may involve hardship. William Barclay writes, “Through and in the gospel, the disciple of Jesus receives power, grace, salvation, holiness, purpose, and the gift of service.” Pope Leo XIV just issued a Lenten message, entitled “Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion.” Lent can bring us to a new level of holiness as we conform our lives to Christ and yield our “Yes” to His will. Transfiguration: The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke record Jesus announcing His passion, death, and resurrection to His disciples (Matthew 16:21-23). This news shocked them. They gave up everything to follow Jesus, yet His life on earth would soon end. As followers of Jesus, the disciples were bystanders, watching in awe as He preached and performed miracles. They relied on His leading, and without Him, they could do nothing until He empowered them. What did His announcement mean? What would become of His disciples? Would His death nullify their call to spread the good news? Even if they wanted to, could they hope to function without Jesus at their side? Jesus responded to these questions and more by taking Peter, James, and John to the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:19). Mountain experiences are significant in the scriptures. On the mountain, Moses received the Ten C omma n dme n t s , Elijah defeated 400 prophets of the pagan god Baal, and Jesus prayed to the Father. Peter, James, and John, representing the Apostles and the Church, were awestruck at seeing Jesus in His glory. They also heard the Father’s voice. It was so good that Peter wanted to stay forever. Jesus assured themHis presence with them (and us) would be forever, especially when we come down from the mountain and face life’s challenges. Everyone who persists in faith to the end is assured of God’s presence and power and shares in Jesus’ resurrection glory (Matthew 10:22). Jesus’ transfiguration and resurrection encourageuswhen trustingGod ismost difficult. The death of a loved one, losing a job, limited mobility, prolonged illness, divorce, financial strain, emotional imbalance, addiction; any of these could dramatically change our lives and make us wonder if God had abandoned or forgotten us. Not trusting that the Lord is with us and not persisting in faith could cause us to despair, become cynical, or see everything as hopeless. When stress and turmoil seek to rule, clinging to our unchanging God will provide the hope, comfort, and peace we need. Lent’s Opportunities: While we should always trust in the Lord, Lent offers a time-sensitive opportunity to focus on deeper spiritual growth by cultivating good habits and practices we might otherwise neglect. During Lent, Parish Missions are more frequent. Adoration and Stations of the Cross are readily available. Bible studies, retreats, Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and daily Mass are offered to strengthen our faith. Participate in as many of these as possible over the next few weeks. All spiritual growth should lead to a life of service through the committed use of our gifts and talents. Along with our concern about what to give up, there should be actions that we can give (forgiveness, love, patience, encouragement, joy). This Lent, leap into the unknown, and allow God to show you His glory. Deacon Ralph Torrelli is retired and lives in Tennessee. Visit his website: www. homilypearls.com. 1st Reading: Genesis 12:1-4a Psalm: 33:4-5, 18-19, 20, 22 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 1:8b-10 Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9 Second Sunday of Lent Holy Lent Deacon Torrelli Sunday Scripture Commentaries
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