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.

The readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A focus on our personal encounter with God. The first reading tells of how Abraham encountered God and trusted in the call he heard. The psalm is " Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you. ", which echoes the theme of trust heard in the first reading The second reading reminds us that God is always present in our lives, giving us strength. And in the gospel recounts the story of the Transfiguration, when Peter, James, and John encountered Jesus in all of his glory.

Some possible themes for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A are

1. The Transfiguration of Jesus: The Transfiguration of Jesus is a significant event in the life of Christ and in the liturgical calendar, and it is the gospel for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A. It is a moment when Jesus reveals his divine glory and his identity as the Son of God to his disciples, Peter, James, and John. This event is a sign of hope for all believers, as it shows that Jesus' suffering and death will ultimately lead to his resurrection and glory. As we reflect on this event, we are called to deepen our faith and trust in God and to follow Jesus' example of obedience to God's will.
2. Faith and Trust: The readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A emphasize the importance of faith and trust in God. The first reading tells the story of Abraham's journey of faith, in which he leaves his homeland and follows God's call to a new land, despite not knowing where he is going. This story shows us that faith and trust in God require us to step out of our comfort zones and to embrace the unknown. The Gospel reading tells the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus, which reveals Jesus' true identity and his ultimate destiny. This event reminds us that, even in times of doubt and uncertainty, we can trust in God's ultimate plan for our lives.
3. Journey and Transformation: The season of Lent is a time of journey and transformation, and the readings for this Sunday reflect this theme by highlighting the importance of personal growth and change.
4. God Keeps His Promises: The readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A remind us of God's faithfulness in keeping his promises. The first reading recounts God's covenant with Abraham, in which God promises to bless him and his descendants. This covenant is a sign of God's enduring love and protection for his people. The Gospel reading tells the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus, which is a sign of God's promise to save us and bring us to glory. These readings remind us that we can trust in God's promises and that he will never abandon us.
5. Coming Down the Mountain: The Transfiguration of Jesus is a powerful experience for Peter, James, and John, but it is not meant to be the end of their journey. After this moment of glory, Jesus leads them down the mountain and back into the world, where they will face trials and challenges. This journey down the mountain is a symbol of the Christian life, which is not always easy but is filled with opportunities for growth and transformation. As we reflect on this theme, we are reminded that our faith is not just a momentary experience but a lifelong journey of growth and transformation.

See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A.

Mountain Time – A Lesson Plan on Mountains in the Bible

This Mountain Time lesson plan on mountains in the Bible will help youth understand the significance of the many references to mountains in scripture. We will discuss why mountains are seen as a place to encounter God and think about how we can go to the mountaintop. This makes a good lesson plan for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A.

The Power of God

This prayer praises the power of God and the protection He gives us. It is based on Psalm 33, which is the responsorial psalm for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A.

• Save

Ups and Downs Lesson Plan on the Transfiguration

This reflection on the Transfiguration will help youth consider the ups and downs of life. Sometimes we are in a really great place, but eventually we have to come down the mountain. This is another lesson plan which could be used on the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A.

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.

Read About One Of The Saints

Saints are our Catholic heroes. They aren't perfect, but they are beautiful examples of the path to holiness. So try reading about some of the saints. Our Catholic children need good role models. Learn about a saint on the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A.

• Save

Create Your Own Labyrinth

A labyrinth serves as a tranquil path for prayer, where walking slowly enhances spiritual focus and calms the mind. This ancient practice, adaptable to both indoor and outdoor settings, invites individuals to engage in contemplative prayer through physical movement. Create your own labyrinth using materials like tape for indoor spaces or chalk and rope for outdoor areas. As you walk this sacred path, the rhythmic steps help to center your thoughts, deepen your prayer experience, and provide a unique opportunity to connect more intimately with God. These tips offer guidance on crafting this reflective journey, tailored to your personal or communal spiritual needs.

• Save

See More Lenten Ideas

See specific ideas for practicing prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during the Lenten season. Find more ideas for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A here.

A Friend of the Lord Jesus

A video homily for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A from Bishop Robert Barron. "Friends, the readings for the Second Sunday of Lent brought to mind my good friend Bishop David O’Connell, who was killed last month. He was one of the most Christ-like people I have ever known—a man of deep spiritual conviction, with a profound sense of the power of the Holy Spirit. Like Abraham, he followed the Lord’s call from his homeland of Ireland to serve in the United States, working among the poor and with members of gangs. He called those he served to a deep life of prayer and spiritual transformation in Christ, a mystery revealed in the Gospel account of the Transfiguration."

The Transfiguration

In this reflection for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A, Jeff Cavins explains that we must understand that what happened in the Old Testament happens again in the life of Jesus.

Listening to a Higher Voice

A homily from Bishop Robert Barron for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A. "We see the beginning of God’s great rescue operation. And just as the trouble began when God’s human creatures refused to listen to the divine command, the solution began when one human being—a kind of new Adam—listened."

Listen to Him

A reflection from Scott Hahn for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A. "Today’s Gospel portrays Jesus as a new and greater Moses. Moses also took three companions up a mountain and on the seventh day was overshadowed by the shining cloud of God’s presence. He too spoke with God and his face and clothing were made radiant in the encounter." Continue reading.

The Mystery of Light

Another homily for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A from Bishop Barron. "On his way to Jerusalem, where he will be crucified, Jesus is transfigured before three of his disciples. This manifestation of glory, says Thomas Aquinas, was designed to encourage the disciples during the difficult days that would follow. It gives hope to us too. On the sometimes painful journey through this life, we see in the Transfiguration of the Lord a sign of what awaits us: a glorified life with God."

The 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to reflect on the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus. It is a beautiful and powerful narrative that reveals Jesus' divinity and the glory that awaits us in heaven. As we journey through Lent, this story invites us to deepen our faith and to fix our eyes on Christ, who is the light that shines in the darkness.

In the story of the Transfiguration, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. There, before their eyes, he is transfigured, his face shining like the sun, and his clothes becoming white as light. Moses and Elijah appear and speak with Jesus, and a voice from the cloud says, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." The disciples are filled with awe and fear, but Jesus tells them not to be afraid.

Walking in Faith

The story of Abram's call by God in the first reading of the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith in our spiritual lives. Abram is called to leave everything he knows, his home and kin, and to journey to an unknown land. He does not know what lies ahead, but he trusts in God's promise that he will be the father of a great nation.

This act of trust is an act of faith. Abram is willing to follow God's call, even though it means leaving behind everything he knows and stepping into the unknown. This faith is not blind, but rather, it is the result of his encounter with God. He has experienced God's presence and heard God's voice, and this encounter has given him the confidence to trust in God's promise.

Similarly, our Lenten journey requires us to walk in faith, trusting in God's guidance and direction even when we cannot see the path ahead. We are called to leave behind the things that hold us back and to journey towards a deeper relationship with God. This journey requires courage and trust, but like Abram, we can find the strength to walk in faith through our encounter with God.

Our encounter with God can take many forms. It may be through prayer and meditation, through reading Scripture, or through the experience of community and worship. Whatever form it takes, it is essential that we make space for this encounter and allow it to shape our faith.

As we reflect on the story of Abram's call and our own Lenten journey, let us remember that faith is not just a matter of belief but of trust. It is a willingness to step out into the unknown, guided by God's voice and presence. It is a result of our encounter with God, and it is strengthened through our ongoing relationship with Him. May we walk in faith during this Lenten season, trusting in God's love and guidance as we journey towards a deeper relationship with Him.

Encountering the Divine

The encounter of Peter, James, and John with the Transfigured Christ on the mountaintop was a profound experience of the divine presence. The transformation of Jesus' appearance, with his face shining like the sun and his clothes becoming white as light, was a powerful manifestation of his divinity. This experience not only confirmed the disciples' faith in Jesus but also gave them a glimpse of God's glory.

In the Old Testament, Moses had a similar encounter with God on Mount Sinai when he received the Ten Commandments. When he descended from the mountain, his face shone so brightly that the Israelites could not look at him. This parallel suggests that the Transfiguration of Jesus is not just a momentary event but a significant event in the history of salvation. It is a sign of the continuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament and a confirmation of Jesus' fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

The Transfiguration also reveals the three Persons of the Trinity. The Father speaks from the cloud, affirming his love for Jesus and commanding the disciples to listen to him. The Holy Spirit is present in the cloud, enveloping the disciples in its presence. The Transfiguration thus serves as a powerful affirmation of the Triune God's presence and activity in the world.

Moreover, the Transfiguration is a foreshadowing of the glorification that awaits us in heaven. It reminds us that, through faith in Jesus Christ, we too can be transformed and share in God's glory. This transformation is not just a physical one but a spiritual one, as we are gradually conformed to the image of Christ through our discipleship.

A Foreshadowing of the Resurrection

The Transfiguration of Jesus is an event that foreshadows the resurrection in several ways. One of the most significant parallels between the two events is the transformation of Jesus' appearance. In the Transfiguration, Jesus' face shines like the sun, and his clothes become dazzlingly white. Similarly, in the resurrection accounts, Jesus' appearance is described as radiant and luminous.

For example, in the Gospel of Mark, Mary Magdalene and two other women go to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body. When they arrive, they see that the stone has been rolled away and the tomb is empty. Suddenly, a young man dressed in white appears and tells them that Jesus has been raised from the dead. In Luke's Gospel, two men in dazzling clothes appear to the women at the tomb and tell them that Jesus has risen. In both accounts, the appearance of these heavenly figures is associated with the resurrection of Jesus.

Moreover, the fact that Mary Magdalene does not recognize Jesus in his post-resurrection appearances is another parallel with the Transfiguration. Just as Peter, James, and John were initially afraid when they saw Jesus transformed on the mountain, so Mary Magdalene is initially confused and disoriented when she sees Jesus in his resurrected state. In John's Gospel, Jesus even tells Mary not to cling to him, suggesting that his resurrected body is somehow different from his physical body before his death.

These parallels between the Transfiguration and the resurrection remind us that Jesus' transformation on the mountain was not just a temporary phenomenon, but a foretaste of the glorified state that he would attain through his death and resurrection. They also suggest that the resurrection appearances were not simply a return to normal life, but a new kind of existence that transcended the limitations of physical death.

As we reflect on the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A, we are invited to contemplate the mystery of Jesus' divine nature and the transformative power of his death and resurrection. We are reminded that through his sacrifice on the cross, we too can be transformed and participate in the glory of his resurrected life. And we are encouraged to live in hope and faith, trusting that even in the face of death and suffering, God's love and power will ultimately triumph.

• In the story of the Transfiguration, do you recognize Jesus when the disciples encountered him? How does this challenge you to see Jesus in the people around you?
• Are you open to being transformed by God's presence and love? What fears or doubts might be holding you back from fully embracing God's call in your life?
• Can you think of a significant event where you encountered the divine presence? How did this encounter shape your faith and understanding of God's love and presence in the world?
• How do you respond to God's call in your own life? Are there areas where you struggle to trust in God's guidance and direction? What can you do to deepen your faith and trust in God?
• What does it mean to you to participate in the glory of God's kingdom? How does this motivate you to live a life of faith and discipleship?
• How do you make space for encounter with God in your life? What practices or habits help you to connect with God's presence and guidance?
• How does the story of the Transfiguration and the call of Abram challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown? How can you find courage and strength to walk in faith, even when the path ahead is unclear?
• What can you do during this Lenten season to deepen your relationship with God and to live more fully as a disciple of Jesus Christ?
• How does the experience of suffering and trials shape your faith and understanding of God's love and presence? How can you find hope and comfort in the midst of difficulty?
• In what ways can you be a witness to God's love and presence in the world? How can you share the hope and joy of the Gospel with those around you?

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

What Are the themes for the Mass readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A?

The Transfiguration of Jesus
Faith and Trust
Journey and Transformation
God Keeps His Promises
Coming Down the Mountain