Sunday, February 25, 2024 – Second Sunday of Lent - Cycle B Readings: Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18, Psalm 116 “I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.” Romans 8:31b-34, Mark 9:

     My dear brother and sisters, February 25th marks this year's last Sunday of Black History Month but the call to live in solidarity, faith, hope and joy has not ended. The theme for Black History Month 2024 focuses on “African Americans and the Arts”. African-American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment.
      The first first stanza of the Black National Anthem goes “Lift every voice and sing. Till earth and heaven ring. Ring with the harmonies of Liberty. Let our rejoicing rise. High as the listening skies. Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us. Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us. Facing the rising sun of our new day began. Let us march on till victory is won”.
      Recalling our history inspires us to appreciate the present and fills us with renewed hope and zeal in building a better future. A life full of hope and love founded on the Word of God, which faith produces. Harriett Tubman said “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” It is faith that inspires our dream.
      This Sunday’s first reading recounts how Abraham was tested by God. He was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac to the Lord and Abraham agreed. He took the road to Moriah and upon arrival. The Lord provided the ram for the sacrifice. The Lord we serve is not pleased with human abuse. One lesson for us today is the faithfulness of Abraham. He believed in God totally. He had left his land and country, had given up the security of his home and the protection that came from his family and tribe. He was sure that God would keep his promise and give him numerous descendants. But why should God ask him to sacrifice Isaac? Abraham might have had some questions, but he kept his faith in love and fidelity of his Lord. Such faith is worthy of imitation by us. God has promised us love, joy, serenity, peace. But disappointments occur, difficult and painful moments and we could have the impression that God has not kept his promises. The Lord keeps his promise. We are called to trust in him as “we lift every voice and sing till earth and heaven ring. Ring with harmonious liberty. I wish you a happy last Sunday of the Black History Month.

Fr. Paschal Chester, svd