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2nd SUNDAY IN LENT
Genesis 17:1-7; 15-16-Name Change and Circumcision
A decisive turning point is reached in the ongoing conversation between Abraham and
God. God comes to the childless couple-to a barren Sarah and to a man who can’t have
children-and says, "I am El-Shaddai." Interesting name since its Hebrew root
means, "breast." Thus, the Fertile One comes to the barren ones with a
unilateral covenant; God does all the promising and Abraham does all the listening. The
story will include the promise to the couple of posterity and land, a name-change for
Abraham (and Sarah) from "exalted father" to "exalted father of a
multitude," blessings to both, and the institution of circumcision.
Romans 4:13-25-Father Abraham had many kids . . .
In the epistle lesson Paul extends the covenant made to Abraham and Sarah into
Christian theology. The ancient covenant of Genesis 17 now includes all who have faith in
Christ, Gentiles as well as Jews. Those who trust the saving work of Jesus can also claim
a connection with this momentous and venerable covenant. Such are true descendants of
Abraham. "Those who share the faith of Abraham," as well as those who adhere to
the law, are counted as his descendants. God’s giving life to the dead and calling
into existence things that do not exist, in the light of Lent invites us to prepare for
renewal and to look ahead to the resurrection and to the wonder of new life found within
the Christian community.
Mark 8:31-38-Rebuking episode
This lesson forms the centerpiece of Mark’s gospel as Jesus asks for and hears a
confession of faith from the lips of Peter: "You are the Christ." In our lesson,
which begins just after that acknowledgement, Jesus foretells the suffering that awaits
him in Jerusalem. Peter’s knee-jerk response to Jesus’ talk of suffering
suggests that perhaps he didn’t get the answer quite right. Peter perhaps chagrined
or embarrassed by such talk, openly and parentally rebukes Jesus. Jesus in turn sharply
rebukes Peter in the presence of the disciples and then calls the larger crowd to hear his
words about the cost of discipleship. The story reminds us of the journey of Lent to the
cross and beyond.
