February 7
Luke 5:1-11

In this gospel Luke gives us an insight into the ordinary daily life of the apostles. They were fishermen and Jesus comes upon them at the Lake of Gennesaret as they are coming in from some time on the lake. He sits down in one of their boats and asks Peter to set out just a bit to get a little distance from the crowds and he then begins to teach them.

When he finishes his teaching he gets out and tells Peter to go out and catch some fish. Peter, who had worked all night and caught nothing, was a bit reluctant. But he did as he was asked. To his surprise they began to catch so many fish the nets were close to breaking. They got back to shore with their heavy catch and fell at Jesus’ feet, in awe of his power. Jesus tells them not to be afraid and that from now on they would be catching people. With this they leave all behind and follow Jesus.

Jesus shows his disciples how productive their lives can be with his help. We are all called by God to be his messengers in the world. But the task does not depend on us. God takes the initiative and assures the results. Despite our own feelings of inadequacy we are assured that if we leave ourselves behind to follow Jesus, in whatever direction that takes in our life, God’s work will be done.

February 14
Luke 6:17, 20-26

In this Sunday’s gospel we hear Luke’s version of the Beatitudes. They are not delivered on a mountain but on the plain at the foot of a mountain. Unlike the more familiar Beatitudes in Matthew they are not general statements, but addressed to specific groups. ‘Blessed are you who are poor, etc.” The blessed are those we don't expect - poor, rich, sad, etc. In Luke’s gospel these Beatitudes are not just meant to console the weak and needy. Jesus goes on to condemn the rich, the satisfied, the happy. In God’s kingdom injustice is set right.

These are not general statements to be realized some time later. Discipleship in the kingdom is right now, not in the future. We must strive to be true prophets and accept the consequences of responding to our call.

February 21, the first Sunday of Lent
Luke 4:1-13

The gospel of the first Sunday of Lent always begins with Jesus in the desert. As we are about to begin forty days of fasting and prayer we are reminded that out of the desert God brings new beginnings. The Israelites were purified as a people in the desert and made ready to enter the Promised Land. Jesus goes into the desert not of his own accord but he is led by the Holy Spirit. And there is a purpose to his time there – to be tempted by the devil.

In the desert Jesus is tempted to take the easy way out and forget his dependence on God to meet his personal needs. He is tempted with power and glory if only he would worship the power of evil. He is tempted to dismiss the need everyone has for God and assume God’s power for himself. These are all temptations we are subject to as well. Jesus overcame his temptations be turning himself over to the power of God. May our prayer, fasting and almsgiving this Lent give us the ability to do the same.

February 28, the second Sunday of Lent
Luke 9:28b-36

The gospel of the second Sunday of Lent is always the Transfiguration. As Jesus is transformed Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, appear with him. They discuss with what he will accomplish in Jerusalem. They refer to this journey as Jesus’ “exodus” which along with the desert image the preceding Sunday reinforces the image of the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land. And in this apparition who Jesus is is proclaimed by a voice from the cloud. “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”

Christ transformed is an image of hope. The Lenten stories inspire us to meet difficulties as Jesus did with faith and trust in God. As we purify ourselves and prepare for the celebration of Easter may we keep our eyes on that hope. And may we better learn to listen to him.