Go...Listen...Do Not Be Afraid
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February 27, 2026All through Lent, we follow Jesus into the emptiness of the desert. Our Lenten disciplines are not meant to be punishment; they are meant to make room for God. One of the best habits we can take up in these weeks is also one of the simplest: spending real, unhurried time with Scripture.
Last week we introduced Lectio Divina (“sacred reading”), an ancient Catholic way of praying with the Bible. We noted its four classic steps: Lectio (Read), Meditatio (Meditate), Oratio (Pray), and Contemplatio (Contemplate). Over the next few weeks, we’ll take these steps one at a time so that, as individuals, families, and small groups, we can grow in listening to the Lord.This week we begin with the first step: Lectio, which simply means “Read.” That may sound obvious, but it helps to remember that we read Scripture differently than we read almost anything else. The Bible is not a textbook or a manual. It is the Word of God given to the Church, meant to become a real encounter with the living Lord. In Lectio, we read with intention: What is God saying? What is God saying to me today? That means we slow down. We notice a word, a phrase, or an action that catches our attention. We don’t rush to finish; we stay close to the text and let God speak first.
This Sunday’s readings repeat a simple command in different ways: Go… Listen… Do not be afraid. In the first reading, God calls Abram: “Go forth… to a land that I will show you.” Abram receives no detailed map- only a promise. Yet he goes. Lent is often like that. The Lord does not always explain everything at once, but He does invite us to take the next step in faith: letting go of a grudge, returning to Mass, coming back to Confession, or carving out time for prayer. Abram’s “yes” becomes a blessing not only for him, but for “all the communities of the earth.” When we follow the Lord, others are strengthened too- our families, our friends, and our parish. In the Gospel, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up the mountain and is transfigured before them. His glory shines through, and the Father says: “This is my beloved Son… listen to him.” The disciples fall down in fear, but Jesus comes close, touches them, and says: “Rise, and do not be afraid.” God’s glory is not meant to crush us; it is meant to strengthen us, especially as Lent leads us toward the Cross.
A practical invitation for this week: pray Lectio with the Sunday Gospel (Matthew 17:1–9). Read it slowly a few times. First, simply notice. Then underline a word or phrase that stands out. Finally, ask: Lord, what are You saying to me? Let that word stay with you throughout the week.
Discussion Questions for Small Groups- In Matthew 17:1–9, what detail grabs you most (the mountain, the shining face, Moses and Elijah, the cloud, the Father’s voice, Jesus’ touch)—and why do you think that detail stands out to you today?
- The Father says, “Listen to him.” Looking at Jesus’ words and actions in this scene, what does “listening” seem to mean- more than just hearing sound?
- Abram is told, “Go forth… to a land that I will show you” (Gen 12:1). Where might God be inviting you to “go forth” in this season—away from a comfort, a fear, a habit, or a self-protective pattern?
- This week is Lectio (Read). What is one realistic plan for the next seven days to “listen to Him” through Scripture (when, where, how long, and what passage)—and what obstacle do you need to plan for?
- Jesus says, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” What fear or burden do you want to place into Jesus’ hands this week, and what short prayer (in your own words) expresses that surrender?