2nd Sunday of Lent

The 2nd Sunday of Lent focuses on listening to Jesus and trusting God’s plan. In all three years, the Gospel tells the story of the Transfiguration. Jesus is shown in glory to a few disciples, and God says, “Listen to him.” This moment helps the disciples understand that Jesus is more than a teacher. It prepares them for the hard times ahead.

Other readings talk about trust and faith. We hear how Abraham obeyed God, even when it was difficult. Paul reminds believers to stay strong because God is with them. Lent is a time to grow closer to Jesus. The 2nd Sunday of Lent reminds us that even when we don’t understand everything, we should follow Jesus and listen to his words.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. See how to determine the correct year.

2nd Sunday of Lent Year A
2nd Sunday of Lent Year B
2nd Sunday of Lent Year C

Mass Readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year A readings here.

• First Reading – Genesis 12:1-4a: The LORD tells Abram to leave his homeland for a new land, promising to make him a great nation and a source of blessings. Abram obeys and leaves as directed.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: The Lord’s word is reliable and his deeds just. His mercy is sought by those who trust in him. He watches over, helps, and shields those who hope in his kindness.
• Second Reading – 2 Timothy 1:8b-10: Endure difficulties for the gospel through God’s strength. We’re called to a holy life not by our works but by God’s grace, made clear through Christ who conquered death.
• Gospel – Matthew 17:1-9: Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain. There, he is transfigured, shining brightly, and Moses and Elijah appear beside him. A voice from a cloud says Jesus is God’s son and should be listened to. The disciples are told to not speak of this until Jesus is resurrected.

Mass Readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year B readings here.

• First Reading – Genesis 22:1-2, 9A, 10-13, 15-18: God tests Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Just as Abraham is about to do it, a messenger stops him. God then promises to bless Abraham for his obedience.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 116: I trust in the LORD even in my hardships. Being His servant, I’ll offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and fulfill my vows in His presence.
• Second Reading – Romans 8:31B-34: If God is on our side, no one can oppose us. He even sacrificed His own Son for us. Who can condemn us when God declares us innocent and Jesus intercedes for us?
• Gospel – Mark 9:2-10: Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to a mountain and is transfigured. Moses and Elijah appear. A cloud overshadows them and a voice says, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” The disciples are confused about what “rising from the dead” means but keep quiet.

Mass Readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Year C readings here.

• First Reading: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18: God showed Abram the stars, promising numerous descendants and giving him land. Abram questioned and prepared a sacrifice. A deep trance confirmed God’s covenant through a smoking fire pot and torch.
• Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33: I call to the Lord for light and salvation, fearing nothing. My heart seeks His presence and asks for His favor. I have faith that His bounty will come if I wait courageously.
• Second Reading: Philippians 3:17: Imitate me and observe others who follow Christ. Many act as enemies of the cross, focused on earthly things. Our true citizenship is in heaven, where we await Jesus. Stand firm in your faith.
• Gospel: Luke 9:28B-36: Jesus, along with Peter, James, and John, goes up a mountain to pray. Jesus is transfigured, and his clothes become dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear, discussing Jesus’ departure. Peter suggests building shelters for them. A cloud appears, and a voice says to listen to Jesus. The disciples keep silent.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible is the full collection of sacred books. It includes all of Scripture and can be read in any order. The Lectionary is different. It is a book of selected Bible readings used at Mass. These readings follow a set schedule and match the seasons of the Church. Each reading has a lectionary number, which helps organize them. This system makes it easier to prepare for Mass and follow the Church’s reading plan.

The Lectionary has a three-year cycle for Sundays and a two-year cycle for weekdays. On the 2nd Sunday of Lent, like all liturgical days, the readings follow this set pattern. Year A focuses on Matthew, Year B on Mark, and Year C on Luke. The Gospel of John is read during certain seasons. Using the lectionary number, Catholics can look up when readings will be used again. This helps everyone stay connected to the Church year and the message of the Gospel.

How to Determine the Liturgical Year

The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.

• 2024 is Year B
• 2025 is Year C
• 2026 is Year A
• 2027 is Year B
• 2028 is Year C
• 2029 is Year A
• 2030 is Year B
• 2031 is Year C
• … and so on

The 2nd Sunday of Lent shows us the Transfiguration of Jesus. He takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain. There, his appearance changes, and they see him talking with Moses and Elijah. A voice from heaven says, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”

This moment helps the disciples understand who Jesus is. They are afraid, but Jesus tells them not to fear. It gives them strength for what will come. Lent is a time to walk with Jesus, even when the path is hard. The 2nd Sunday of Lent reminds us to trust him.

Other readings talk about obedience and faith. Abraham listens to God, even when the command is hard. Paul reminds us that God is with us and for us. These messages help us stay strong in our faith.

The 2nd Sunday of Lent teaches us to listen, follow, and trust. It points us toward the cross, but also to hope.

Think about the Transfiguration and what it means to “listen to him.” What is Jesus saying to you this Lent? Look at the other readings too. How is God asking you to trust him in your life?

Share in the comments how the 2nd Sunday of Lent speaks to you. What part of the readings stands out? Let’s grow together by listening and reflecting.