Readings and meditation on the Word of God on the 2nd Sunday of Lent, March 16, 2025

Delivered by the Vocationist Sisters in Labuan Bajo and Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Genesis 15: 5-12.17-18; Rs psalm 27: 1.7-8.9abc.13-14; Philippians 3: 17 - 4: 1; Luke 9: 28b-36THE NEW APPARITION The theme for our meditation on this Second Sunday ofLent is: The New Apparition. In the era of communication that places greatemphasis on visualization and people's impression of it, a new apparition is amust. Anyone in this era who is not touched by the new or updated method orproduct, he is automatically left behind. The application programs on yourcellphone and computer, if you don't update yourself to get a new product, theprogram will no longer work and will greatly trouble your work. Personal account profiles on social media really needto be updated. The page also changes its appearance every day to make it moreattractive. Each change defines the existence or activity in media and gainsrecognition from others. In the world of advertising, new appearances tointroduce its legal products are mandatory. In the world of politics, the newapparition of the current generation will affect the face of politics as awhole. In short, the need for a new appearance related toexistence, activities and the mentality of life is a basic need in today'scommunication era. The specific feature of all these new apparitions is thatchange is constantly happening. It is like flowing water and cannot be the samewater. Our needs and desires are indeed unstoppable. Saint Augustine said thatthe desire of our hearts can only stop when it comes to God. The apparition orrevelation in glory of the Lord Jesus in Tabor really gives us confidence thatit is a stop from the journey of all our desires. The apparition representseternal glory, which is the goal of every believer and all that God loves. In line with the new appearance of this world which isour basic need, there is also a great demand for a new appearance in our soulsand faith. Together with the apparition in the Mount Tabor, receiving theteaching of Saint Paul about the transformation of our mortal bodies intoglorious bodies in Jesus Christ, and believing in the eternal covenant of theLord God with us humans, may we seek new apparitions of our spiritual buildingin this Lenten period.  The change in our spiritual apparition should increasemore and more. The goal is that the more time goes by towards the end of thislife, the closer we get to this glorious achievement. On this day, if you praypersonally for 15 minutes, tomorrow the time is added longer and the intentionis added more. Fasting, prayer and charity also need a new appearance. Such isthe multiplication of our spiritual life. Thus new apparitions occur in thelife of our faith. Let us pray. In the name of the Father... O God, may YourSpirit move us to make a real spiritual renewal. Hail Mary full of grace... In the name of the Father...