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Some people are very open to receiving God's revelation. Abraham was one of those people. First he heard God telling him to take his only son, Isaac, and sacrifice him. Then as he was on the brink of sacrificing Isaac on a stack of wood God spoke to him through an angel to tell him not to go ahead with it. The point of the story in today's first reading is not that God changed his mind but that Abraham listened to God and was ready to obey him. Jewish tradition stresses the binding (rather than the sacrifice) of Isaac and the testing and obedience of Abraham.

We have another revelation in today's Gospel. This time in an intense personal moment, the identity of Jesus as God's Son is revealed to Peter, James and John. Mark's account reminds us of some of the elements in the revelation on Sinai - the high mountain, the dazzling brightness, the cloud above them and the voice from above. Moses, who received the revelation of God on Sinai, and Elijah, the prophet who would herald in the messianic era, were talking with Jesus. The presence of Moses shows continuity with the revelation on Sinai and Elijah's presence shows that the messianic era has arrived with Jesus.

Is God asking something special of you this Lent? You will have to be very attentive and listen very carefully to hear God speak to you. Give yourself time this Lent to listen to God.

God showered blessings on Abraham because of his absolute obedience. As a result of this, all nations are blessed. Spend some time this week reflecting on your blessings from God and give thanks for them.