Reflection on the 2nd Sunday of Lent, Cycle A

Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR•March 8, 2020

This mystery in the life of Christ is so important that we read this gospel two times a year: on the 2^ndSunday of Lent and on August 6^th. While Jesus was still walking among them, the apostles tended to take him as simply human with extraordinary powers. The transfiguration was intended to help them see him beyond what the human eye can see. This was a moment in his human existence that Jesus allowed the chosen apostles, and us, to see the divinity in his Person. The splendor of the divinity was allowed to pierce through the humanity and be made visible. That should have been enough for Peter, James and John to stand firm on Good Friday through Holy Saturday until they see him again on Easter Sunday. Yet like any other man they were frightened, confused, insecure. They all ran away and abandoned Jesus. Peter even denied the Lord when he found himself in a tight situation. The command not to tell anyone “until the Son of Man rises from the dead” should have lighted their path in those days of darkness for, indeed, he was to rise from the dead! We who contemplate these events should be firmer in our faith in the Person of Jesus and in his promise that we will share in his resurrection. Jesus is our God who suffers and dies like us and who assures us conquest and triumph by our share in his resurrection.

The presence of Elijah and Moses is a confirmation that the Law and the Prophets are fulfilled in Jesus. Jesus brings to completion all that God had promised in the Torah and the Prophets. But there is something we must take note concerning Elijah and Moses: these two men had close encounter with Yahweh on Mt. Sinai. Exodus 33: 18-23 narrates how Moses asked to see the Lord’s face and in that encounter the Lord said “I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by.” What intimacy is here manifested for Moses, to be protected by the hand of God! Elijah’s encounter with Yahweh is recounted in 1 Kg 19: 9-14. “Go outside…the Lord will be passing by… There was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.” Moses and Elijah had both a close encounter with Yahweh, the Lord, on the great mountain. They are now on this mountain of the Transfiguration in a close encounter with Jesus, the Lord. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

A third point to consider is the statement: “Listen to him.” This command brings us back to Dt. 18: 18-19: “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their kinsmen, and will put my words into his mouth; he shall tell them all that I command him. If any man will not listen to my words which he speaks in my name, I will make him answer for it.” Jn 12:49 quotes Jesus saying: “I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak…. So what I say, I say as the Father told me.” Again Jn 14:24 quotes Jesus say: “Yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.” Jesus is the prophet sent by Yahweh; he is the Word of God. We must listen to him not to any human interpretation of his word. “Listen to him.” This command is for all of us. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. What he has taught by word and example we must heed, and we shall be assured of eternal life. We are sure, because on the mountain we saw his glory.

Jesus is the human face of God, the meeting of the divine and the human. In his splendor we see our own destiny. Thus we find joy and confidence despite the difficulty and insecurity of daily living. Jesus is our way to God. Jesus is the light who gives meaning and value to our human existence. Listening to him is listening to God; following him is following God.Lord Jesus, I do believe that you and the Father are one. Help my unbelief. Make me firm when I experience my own passion and death. Let me fix my eyes on your glory. Permit not that trials and hardships stop me from following you.

Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR

Priest/Religious/Bible Professor of the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno.

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< 2023 >

March

S	M	Tu	W	Th	F	S
			1 All day March 1, 2023 CLOSING OF THE MEETING OF THE LOCAL PROCURATORS WITH THE PROVINCIAL PROCURATOR CELEBRATIONS OF THE 151ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST MASS OF ST. EZEKIEL MORENO IN PUERTO PRINCESA Inclusive Dates: March 1-10, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Constancia Buchan, AR Sr. Jamaikha Acle, AR Sis. Marissa Molina, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Khia Queen Taiza (RAY-Calubang) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Teresa de Jesus, AR +Sis. Susan Bermil, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	2 All day March 2, 2023 PROVINCE-WIDE VIRTUAL CONFERENCE on “Policies and Procedures on [Cases of] Sexual Abuse Against Minors and Vulnerable Adults” / 9:00 a.m. BIRTHDAY Sr. Charina Mae Ogario, AR Sis. Merlinda Buada, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Karl Canaria (RAY-Talisay) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Luis Clauor Jr., SAR (Bacolod Chapter) +Bro. Gabino Jabutay, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	3 All day March 3, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Emeterio Buñao Fray Andrie Pugate Sr. Felisa Ampasin, AR Sr. Josephine Facinabao, AR Sis. Marina Yang, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Dolores Villas, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Amparo Ortega (Tondo Chapter / Trial) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Teodora de la Natividad, AR +Sis. Angelita Quero, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	4 All day March 4, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR VOCATIONS CLOSING OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PUERTO PRINCESA Mass Presider & Homilist: Fray Bernard Amparado, OAR Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Puerto Princesa City BIRTHDAY Br. Mark Evan Taliquig (aspirant) Sis. Rosita Viray, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Jasmin Reyes, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Thelma Geroy, SAR (Tondo Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Celina Magcauas, AR +Sis. Josefina Cedeño, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Esperanza Bacus, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
5 All day March 5, 2023 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT BIRTHDAY Sis. Nelly Marfil, SAR (Talisay Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Teodorica de Natividad, AR +Ma. Alma Limotlimot, AR +Sis. Francisca Tamara, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	6 All day March 6, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Randolph Castulo Castillo, Jr. Sr. Rosalia Aparece, AR Sr. Ma. Corazon Caberte, AR Sr. Ridelia Tinga, AR Sis. Marybeth Publico, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Rosalina Toledo, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Josefina Rodriguez, AR +Sis. Rosemary Delapaz, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) +Mrs. Leonila Dosado (Sister General of the Order)	7 All day March 7, 2023 BIRTHDAY Br. Dorin James Igsoc (aspirant) Bro. John Eduard Nebre, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Bro. Feliciano Nario Jr., SAR (Baguio Chapter)	8 All day March 8, 2023 BIRTHDAY Bro. Marco Quimod, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Beata Oida, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Roceline Bernal (RAY-Cavite) Paula Nicole Bautista (RAY-Cavite) James Ynnoh Molina (RAY-Miranila DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Rita de la Cruz, AR +Sr. Ma. Guadalupe Siroy, AR +Sr. Ma. Natalia Oliver, AR +Sr. Alfonsa Canon, AR	9 All day March 9, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Loreto Manigos, AR Sr. Merlyn Pelarion, AR DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Faustina Nirza, AR +Sis. Rufa Pepito, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	10 All day March 10, 2023 CLOSING OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY (March 10, 1872) OF THE FIRST MASS OF ST. EZEKIEL MORENO IN PUERTO PRINCESA BIRTHDAY Fray Keneth Pahamutang Fray Ifeanyichukwu Maximillian Omem Sis. Elenita Atienza, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Ma. Theresa Aquino, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Ma. Lourdes Espinos, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Sis. Lydia Escario, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Choleta Jalandra, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	11 All day March 11, 2023 FORSOAR STAR WEEKEND March 11-12, 2022 / Talavera House of Prayer-Recoletos, Cebu City BIRTHDAY Sr. Briggitte Parba, AR Sr. Maria Jasmin Lumanog, AR
12 All day March 12, 2023 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT BIRTHDAY Sr. Marisa Bernasor, AR Mo. Dionisia Talangapaz (Foundress of the AR Sisters) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Inocencia Beringuel, AR +Sis. Fe Zamora, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Valentina Talledo, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	13 All day March 13, 2023 10TH ANNIVERSARY (2013-2023) OF THE ELECTION OF POPE FRANCIS BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Digna Araña, AR Sr. Ma. Nicelina Rodriguez, AR Bro. Romeo Estanislao, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Adelina Belandres, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Estrella Nuque, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Patricia Tario, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Cyrine Julianne Singson (RAY-Cavite) Aaron Kristopher Lim (RAY-San Carlos) Kiarah Fatima Guillen (RAY-Provincialate)	14 All day March 14, 2023 REAP: SHARING OF ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS (NEGROS CLUSTER GENERAL ASSEMBLY) BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, SDB, DD (Diocese of Bacolod) Br. Christopher Digal (postulant) Sr. Ma. Clara Flores, AR Sis. Teotila Torrefiel, SAR (Cebu Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Lucia Ruiz, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Leonila Buhain, SAR (Cavite Chapter)	15 All day March 15, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Lauro Larlar Fray Giovanni Gil Magbojos Br. Juan Carlo Macalalag (aspirant) Sr. Rosielyn Hijastro, AR Sis. Marlyn Opu-an, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Sis. Milagros Calipay, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Enrique Jerome Garcia (RAY-Cavite) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Visitacion B. Visitacion, AR +Sis. Lourdes Luna, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) +Sis. Ma. Carmeta Suiza, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	16 All day March 16, 2023 REAP: DISCUSSION AND DELIBERATION OF STRUCTURES, PLANS, AND PROGRAMS DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Maria Carmeta Suiza, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) BIRTHDAY Sis. Hernane Francisco, SAR (Manila Chapter)	17 All day March 17, 2023 REAP: LENTEN RECOLLECTION DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Jesus Lastimado, AR +Sis. Obdulia Torres, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	18 All day March 18, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Eduarda Reynes, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
19 All day March 19, 2023 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK 10TH ANNIVERSARY (2013-2023) OF THE INSTALLATION OF POPE FRANCIS BIRTHDAY Archbp. Jose Palma, D.D. (Archbishop of Cebu) Sis. Eleanor Almenanza, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Sis. Jessica Bacaltos, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) Sis. Beatriz Hermoso, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Marian Sigrid Escobar (RAY-Bacolod) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Trinidad de la Purisima Concepcion, AR +Sis. Enriquieta Oamilda, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Bro. Gonzalo Pañares, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Anunciacion Mendez, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	20 All day March 20, 2023 FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH, PATRON OF THE ORDER USJ-R (Cebu & Balamban) PATRONAL FIESTA OF ST. JOSEPH BIRTHDAY Fray Roweno Eugenio Hamo Sis. Josefina Guevarra, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Sis. Salvacion Manalon, SAR (Inagawan Chapter) Sis. Nenita Ursais, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Earl Vincent Blaza (RAY-Miranila)	21 All day March 21, 2023 START OF GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING (Rome) Inclusive Dates: March 21-25 BIRTHDAY Fray Mark Rochelle Renacia Sis. Corazon Yanga, SAR (Tondo Chapter)	22 All day March 22, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Grace Katada, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) Sis. Rose Mary Chua, SAR (Talisay Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Felicitas Aquino, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Lina Ferrer, SAR	23 All day March 23, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Teodulo Hayahay Sis. Milagros Renes, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Fe Josefa Asuncion, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Sis. Ma. Luisa Salvador (San Carlos Chapter / Trial) Nichole Cabamo (RAY-Laray) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Cecilia Salgado, AR +Sr. Concepcion Reston, AR	24 All day March 24, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Christopher Gaspar Sis. Clemencia Luces, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Elpidia Abasolo, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Nelida Mendoza (Miranila Chapter / Trial) Sis. Hedelita Diaz, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Lydia Rivera, SAR (Tondo Chapter) +Sis. Adela Jaca, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	25 All day March 25, 2023 EARTH HOUR: 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. BIRTHDAY Sis. Anunciacion Yballe, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Ann Marjorie Ricarte, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Lourdes Serrano, SAR (Manila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Purificacion del Espiritu Santo, AR +Sr. Magdalena Salgado, AR
26 All day March 26, 2023 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT BIRTHDAY Sis. Gloria Mempin, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Felicitas Calopez, SAR (Talisay Chapter) +Sis. Alice Banares, SAR (Tondo Chapter)	27 All day March 27, 2023 BIRTHDAY Bro. Edward de Silva, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Josefina Magalit, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Alberta Lastimado, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Bro. Samuel Celerino Favila (Puerto Princesa Chapter / Trial) Aira Joy Legaspi (RAY-Talisay)	28 All day March 28, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE MISSIONS BIRTHDAY Sr. Agustina Santos, AR Sr. Dorothy Aguila, AR Sis. Virginia Lazaro, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Bro. Reynaldo Aparicio, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Lilibeth Fuertes, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Brenda Villafuerte, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Gregoria de San Jose, AR + Sis. Rufina Jadraque, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	29 All day March 29, 2023 BIRTHDAY Ma. Katrina Rodriguez (RAY-Miranila) PRESBYTERAL ANNIVERSARY (2008-2023) Fray William Cordero, Jr. Fray Roderick Deguit DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Crispin Balingit, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	30 All day March 30, 2023 GENERALATE: ONLINE MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON THE PROTECTION OF MINORS & VULNERABLE ADULTS BIRTHDAY Mo. Maxima Pelaez, AR Sis. Juanita Pajarillaga, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Jelly Masongsong, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Roberta Panoncillo, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	31 All day March 31, 2023 BIRTHDAY Br. John Reynan Rosie (aspirant) Sr. Anastacia Fangon, AR

Reflection on the 2nd Sunday of Lent, Cycle A

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Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR

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