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Let’s Talk About Doubt and Fear

Carmelite homily for Sunday, February 25, 2024 – Lectionary 26 (Mark 9:2-10) – Second Sunday of Lent

Today’s Gospel is Mark’s account of the Transfiguration, where, it says, Moses and Elijah appeared and were seen conversing with Jesus.  It doesn’t say what they were talking about, but here’s what, I think, they were talking about.  Moses spoke and said, “Jesus, I doubted.  I struck the rock twice when God said to strike it.  I almost failed my mission because of doubt.  Do not doubt.  And then Elijah would speak and said, “Jesus, do not fear.  I was afraid of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel and I ran from them.  And I almost failed my mission because of fear.  Do not be afraid.”   That’s the invitation of today’s Gospel; yes, doubt and fear are powerful motivators in our life and there’s no way we can escape them.  I think the invitation is: don’t let them control you.

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Doubt and Fear

Carmelite homily for Sunday, March 8, 2020 – Lectionary 25 (Matthew 17:1-9) – Second Sunday of Lent

Today’s Gospel is Matthew’s account of the Transfiguration, where, it says, Moses and Elijah appeared and were seen conversing with Jesus.  It doesn’t say what they were talking about, but here’s what, I think, they were talking about.  Moses spoke and said, “Jesus, I doubted.  I struck the rock twice when God said to strike it.  I almost failed my mission because of doubt.  Do not doubt.  And then Elijah would speak and said, “Jesus, do not fear.  I was afraid of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel and I ran from them.  And I almost failed my mission because of fear.  Do not be afraid.”   That’s the invitation of today’s Gospel; yes, doubt and fear are powerful motivators in our life and there’s no way we can escape them.  I think the invitation is: don’t let them control you.