2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
Sunday March 1, 2026
Mass Readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
- First Reading – Genesis 12:1-4a: The LORD commands Abram to leave his homeland and go to a new land that God will show him. God promises to bless Abram and make him the father of a great nation, and Abram obeys, leaving his home as directed.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: A prayer of trust in God’s mercy and justice. The psalmist praises God’s works and faithfulness, and acknowledges that God protects and delivers those who fear and hope in him, ultimately putting their trust in the Lord’s kindness.
- Second Reading – 2 Timothy 1:8b-10: Paul encourages Timothy to join in suffering for the gospel, reminding him that God has saved and called them to a holy life, not because of their own deeds, but because of God’s grace and purpose, which has now been revealed through Christ’s appearance and victory over death.
- Gospel – Matthew 17:1-9: Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain where he is transfigured before them, shining with a bright light, and they see Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. A voice from heaven affirms that Jesus is God’s beloved son, and the disciples are told not to speak of the event until after Jesus has risen from the dead.
And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.
Matthew 17:2
Themes for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
The 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A focuses on trust in God and the call to follow Him. The readings show how God leads His people and gives them strength for the journey.
- God’s Call to Trust: God calls Abram to leave his home and go to a new land. This shows that faith means trusting God even when the future is unclear.
- Jesus Reveals His Glory: Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain and is transfigured before them. This moment shows that Jesus is more than a teacher—He is the Son of God.
- Strength in Suffering: Paul reminds Timothy to be strong in suffering for the Gospel. Following Jesus is not always easy, but God gives strength and grace.
- God’s Promise of Life: Paul speaks of God’s plan to bring life through Jesus. This reminds us that God’s call leads to true life, not just for now but forever.
- Listen to Jesus: At the Transfiguration, God tells the disciples to listen to His Son. This reminds us to follow Jesus and trust what He teaches.
- Faith Leads to Blessings: Abram obeys God and is blessed. Faith in God always leads to something greater, even when we do not see it right away.
The 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to trust God’s plan. The readings remind us that God leads, strengthens, and blesses those who follow Him.
Resources for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
Sunday March 1, 2026
Mountain Time – A Lesson Plan on Mountains in the Bible
Mountains in the Bible are places where people meet God in a special way. From Mount Ararat, where Noah received God’s promise, to Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, these high places remind us that God calls people to rise above daily life and listen to Him. Mount Tabor, where Jesus was transfigured, is another example. The disciples saw His glory and heard the voice of the Father. These stories help us understand the meaning of the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A, where the readings focus on trust, obedience, and encountering God.
Just as Jesus and the disciples did not stay on Mount Tabor, we cannot stay in special moments with God forever. The readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A remind us that faith requires action. After meeting God, we are called to go back into the world and live what we have learned. Climbing a mountain is difficult, just as following God takes effort. But every step brings us closer to Him.
Psalm 33: Finding Strength and Hope in God’s Love
Psalm 33 fits well with the themes of the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A because it reminds us to trust in God’s power and protection. In the first reading, Abram follows God’s call without knowing where he is going. The psalm echoes this trust by saying that God watches over those who rely on Him. Just as Abram believed in God’s promises, the psalm encourages us to place our hope in God rather than in human strength.
The Transfiguration in the Gospel also connects with Psalm 33. The disciples see Jesus in glory, showing that God’s plan is greater than they imagined. The psalm praises God as the Creator who controls everything, reminding us that His ways are beyond our understanding. When the disciples hear God’s voice telling them to listen to Jesus, it reinforces the message of the psalm: God is faithful, and we can trust Him to guide and protect us.
Ups and Downs Lesson Plan on the Transfiguration
The 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A focuses on the Transfiguration, where Jesus reveals His glory to Peter, James, and John. This lesson plan helps students connect that moment to their own faith journeys. Just as the disciples saw Jesus in a new way, students are encouraged to reflect on how their understanding of Him grows over time. Faith is not just about high moments but also about staying committed during challenges.
The lesson also highlights the ups and downs of discipleship, which connects to the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A. The disciples had to come down from the mountain and continue their journey with Jesus, just as we must carry our faith into daily life. Through discussions and activities, students can explore how mountaintop experiences strengthen them for difficult times. The lesson encourages them to recognize Christ’s presence, even when faith feels difficult.
Lego Video: This engaging video tells the story of the Transfiguration with Legos. Kids of all ages will appreciate this presentation of this passage from the Gospel. Watch this video on the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A.
See More Lenten Ideas
The 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A focuses on trusting God and drawing closer to Him. The story of Abram leaving his homeland and the Transfiguration of Jesus both show how faith requires sacrifice and commitment. Lent is a time for Catholics to practice prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, which help strengthen their relationship with God. These practices remind us to listen to Him, just as the disciples were told to listen to Jesus on the mountain.
The resources provide practical ways to live out Lent through self-discipline and reflection. Fasting and almsgiving teach us to let go of worldly comforts, just as Abram left behind his old life. Increased prayer helps us hear God’s voice, like the disciples did during the Transfiguration. The 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A reminds us that faith is an ongoing journey, and these Lenten practices help prepare our hearts for what God is calling us to do.
Here are just a few examples of the 75+ ideas found here:
Homilies and Commentaries for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
Sunday March 1, 2026
A Friend of the Lord Jesus
Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A through the life of his late friend, Bishop Dave O’Connell. He compares Abram’s journey of faith to Bishop O’Connell’s decision to leave Ireland and serve in Los Angeles. Like Abram, he followed God’s call, dedicating his life to the poor and working for peace. His deep trust in God and commitment to others showed true faith in action.
The Transfiguration in the Gospel for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A reminds Bishop Barron of his time hiking and talking about God with Bishop O’Connell. He describes him as a man who brought life to others and had a strong friendship with Jesus. His simple prayer, “Jesus, I love you,” reflected his deep faith. Bishop Barron encourages us to see Christianity as a relationship with Jesus and to follow Him with love and trust.
Listen to Him
Scott Hahn reflects on the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A by showing how Jesus is the new and greater Moses. Like Moses, Jesus goes up a mountain with three companions and is surrounded by God’s presence. But He is more than a prophet—He is the beloved Son promised to Abraham and David. The Transfiguration reveals that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s plan, the One through whom all blessings come.
The 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A also reminds us that we are part of God’s promise. Through faith, we become children of Abraham’s covenant and are called to follow Jesus. God leads us toward our true home in heaven, just as He led Abraham to a new land. The Father’s command on the mountain—”Listen to Him!”—is a call for us to trust Jesus, follow His teachings, and place our hope in Him.
Reflection for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
The 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to reflect on faith, trust, and the glory of Jesus. The readings show how God calls His people to step forward in faith, even when the path is unclear. Abram leaves his home, trusting in God’s promise. The disciples see Jesus in glory and hear God’s voice telling them to listen to Him. These moments remind us that faith is a journey, filled with both challenges and glimpses of hope. As we walk through Lent, we are called to trust in God, listen to Jesus, and prepare our hearts for new life in Him.
Walking in Faith
The 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A reminds us that faith is about trust. In the first reading, God calls Abram to leave his home and go to a land that God will show him. Abram does not have all the details, but he listens and obeys. His willingness to step into the unknown shows the kind of trust that faith requires.
Faith is not always easy. Abram had to leave behind everything familiar—his land, his family, and his security. He had to believe that God would guide him. This journey was not just about moving to a new place but about learning to rely on God.
Our own faith journey is similar. Sometimes, God calls us to let go of things that hold us back. We may not always see where He is leading us, but we are asked to trust. Like Abram, we are called to listen to God’s voice and take the next step in faith.
Lent is a time to reflect on how we trust God in our lives. Are we holding onto fears or doubts that keep us from following Him fully? Are we willing to step forward even when the path is unclear? The 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A encourages us to walk in faith, knowing that God is with us.
Seeing Jesus in Glory
The Gospel for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A tells the story of the Transfiguration. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain, and they see Him shining in glory. This moment is a glimpse of who He truly is. The disciples are amazed, but they are also afraid.
God speaks from a cloud and tells them to listen to His Son. This moment confirms that Jesus is the one they must follow. The disciples may not fully understand what is happening, but they are given a sign of hope.
In our own lives, we may have moments when we see God’s presence more clearly. These moments strengthen our faith, just as the Transfiguration strengthened the disciples. But we cannot stay on the mountain forever. Jesus leads the disciples back down, reminding them that faith is lived out in daily life.
The 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to listen to Jesus and trust in Him. Even when we do not fully understand, He is with us. We may not see His glory as clearly as the disciples did, but we can recognize His presence in prayer, in Scripture, and in the people around us.
A Glimpse of the Resurrection
The Transfiguration in the Gospel for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A points to something greater. When Jesus appears in shining glory, it is a sign of what is to come. His suffering and death are not the end. There is a future beyond the cross.
The disciples do not yet understand the resurrection, but this moment gives them hope. Later, when they see Jesus suffer, they may remember this glimpse of His true glory. It prepares them for what is ahead.
Our own faith journey is also filled with struggles. We may go through times of doubt, fear, or suffering. The Transfiguration reminds us that there is more to the story. Just as Jesus rose from the dead, we are called to a new life with Him.
The 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A encourages us to hold onto hope. Jesus leads us through suffering to something greater. Lent is a time to prepare our hearts for Easter, remembering that no matter what we face, God’s plan leads to new life.
The 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A reminds us that God is always leading us forward. Whether we are stepping into the unknown like Abram, seeing glimpses of Jesus’ glory like the disciples, or holding onto hope in difficult times, we are never alone. Lent is a time to grow in faith, to listen more closely to Jesus, and to trust in God’s plan. May we continue this journey with open hearts, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.
Prayer
Lord, help us to walk in faith, even when we do not see the way ahead. Teach us to listen to Jesus and follow where He leads. Give us strength in difficult times and remind us of the hope that lies ahead. May this Lenten journey bring us closer to You. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
- What does Abram’s journey teach us about trusting God?
- How can we listen to Jesus more in our daily lives?
- What holds us back from stepping forward in faith?
- How do we experience glimpses of God’s presence?
- Why did Jesus show His glory to Peter, James, and John?
- How does the Transfiguration give us hope for the future?
- What can we learn from Paul’s encouragement to Timothy?
- How can Lent help us grow in trust and faith?
- What is one way we can respond to God’s call this week?
- How does the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A help us prepare for Easter?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
Music Suggestions for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
Sunday March 1, 2026
The music selections for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A focus on themes of light, glory, trust, and listening to God. Some songs celebrate Jesus’ shining presence, much like the moment of the Transfiguration. Others remind us to follow Him with faith, just as Abram did when God called him to a new land. There are also hymns about mercy, calling us to trust in God’s love and guidance. The mix of traditional and contemporary songs allows for a variety of musical styles, helping the congregation reflect on the readings in a meaningful way.
- At the Name of Jesus by Suzanne Toolan & Caroline Maria Noel
- Be Thou My Vision by Audrey Assad
- Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman
- Christ Be Our Light by Bernadette Farrell
- Christ In Me Arise by Trevor Thomson
- Doxology by Passion and David Crowder Band
- Holy by Matt Redman
- Lead Me Home by Matt Maher
- Let Your Mercy Wash Over Us by Trevor Thomson
- O Beauty, Ever Ancient by the St. Louis Jesuits
- On This Mountain by Gerard Chiusano
- Our God by Chris Tomlin
- Praise to You, O Christ, Our Savior by Bernadette Farrell
- Psalm 33: Lord, Let Your Mercy by Bob Dufford
- Shine Jesus Shine by Graham Kendrick
- The Glory of These Forty Days by Gregory the Great
- The Lord Is My Light by Christopher Walker
- This Is Jesus by Tony Melendez & Jim Cowan
- This Is My Beloved Son by Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart & Curtis Stephan
- There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy by Fredrick William Faber
- Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here by Joseph A. Robinson
- Transfiguration by Ricky Manalo
- Transfigure Us, O Lord by Bob Hurd
- We Fall Down by Passion and Matt Redman
- Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher
Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections and see which fit best for their community. Songs that highlight themes of trust, obedience, and Christ’s glory can help bring the message of the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A to life. Share your own recommendations in the comments and help others find music that deepens the Lenten journey.
Questions and Answers for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
What date is the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A?
The next date is Sunday March 1, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
2nd Sunday of Lent Year B
2nd Sunday of Lent Year C
What are the Mass readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A?
The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday March 1, 2026 are:
First Reading – Genesis 12:1-4a: God’s Call to Abram
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: The Lord’s Sovereignty and Love
Second Reading – 2 Timothy 1:8b-10: Saved by God’s Grace
Gospel – Matthew 17:1-9: The Transfiguration of Jesus
Why did God tell Abram to leave his home?
God had a plan to bless Abram and make him a great nation. Abram had to trust God and go where God led him.
Why did Paul tell Timothy to be strong?
Paul knew that following Jesus would bring difficulties. He encouraged Timothy to stay faithful and rely on God’s strength.
How does Jesus give us strength in hard times?
Paul teaches that Jesus gives us grace and calls us to a holy life. This means we are never alone, even when life is difficult.
What is the Transfiguration?
The Transfiguration is when Jesus’ appearance changed, and His glory was revealed. This showed the disciples that He was truly the Son of God.
Why did Jesus take only Peter, James, and John up the mountain?
Jesus chose these three disciples to witness His Transfiguration. He wanted to strengthen their faith because they would have important roles in spreading the Gospel.
What does the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A teach about faith?
The readings show that faith means trusting God, even when we do not know what will happen. Abram followed God, and the disciples saw Jesus in glory, reminding us to believe in His plan.
What does the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A say about listening to Jesus?
At the Transfiguration, God told the disciples to listen to His Son. This reminds us to follow Jesus and obey His teachings.
How can the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A help us trust God?
Abram trusted God and left his home, and the disciples followed Jesus up the mountain. These stories remind us that God leads us, even when the path is not clear.
Why did the disciples feel afraid during the Transfiguration?
They saw Jesus in glory and heard God’s voice, which was overwhelming. Jesus comforted them and told them not to be afraid.
How can we live out the message of the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A?
We can trust God like Abram, listen to Jesus like the disciples, and stay strong like Timothy. This means following God’s call, even when it is hard.
Trusting God’s Call
The 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A focuses on faith and trust in God. The first reading tells how God calls Abram to leave his home and follow a new path. Abram does not know where he is going, but he believes that God will lead him. His faith is an example for all who try to follow God’s plan.
In the Gospel, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain. There, He is transfigured before them, and they see His glory. This moment shows them that Jesus is more than a teacher. It prepares them for the challenges they will face as His followers.
The second reading reminds us that God gives strength to those who follow Him. Paul tells Timothy not to be afraid of suffering for the Gospel. The 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A reminds us that God calls us to trust Him, listen to Jesus, and stay strong in faith.
Your Turn
God calls each of us to follow Him. The 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A reminds us that faith means trusting even when the path is unclear.
Take a moment to reflect on the readings. How have you experienced God’s call in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.
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