March 16, 2025
Revised Common Lectionary
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Psalm 27
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Luke 13:31-35
Lectionary for Mass (RC)
Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
Psalm 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14
Philippians 3:(17-19) 20-4:1
Luke 9:28b-36
The following reflection is based on the Scripture readings assigned in the Revised Common Lectionary. Roman Catholics and members of other communities that read the story of the Transfiguration on this Sunday may find a Word and Song reflection here.
In times like these, praying the words of today’s psalm can feel like a challenge: “Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident” (Ps 27:3). But how can we not fear when we see so much suffering around us?
Fear grips so many today—Ukrainians and Gazans fearing for their safety and homeland; refugees and migrants facing the threat of deportation; workers uncertain about their jobs and livelihood; single mothers wondering if they will lose food assistance or medical benefits.
In the face of such realities, we can’t help but ask: Why, O God? How long will evil prevail? Are you even listening? Can we truly trust in your promise of peace and justice? Do our efforts—feeding the hungry, opposing racism, fostering reconciliation—really make a difference? Can we dare to let go of fear?
Abram had questions, too. God’s words—“Do not be afraid”—may have sounded reassuring, but Abram was an old man with no heir. His future seemed uncertain. He asked, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless?” (Gen 15:2). In response, God offered neither a blueprint nor a timetable, only a promise—that Abram’s descendants would be more numerous than the stars in the sky.
Still, Abram chose to trust. He risked putting his faith in God, believing that God would fulfill the promise.
Choosing to trust is not easy. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus speaks of suffering and death as he prepares for his journey to Jerusalem. Luke tells us that “he set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Lk 9:51)—the city that kills the prophets, the place where he will suffer, die, and rise. And yet, he walks forward in faith.
During Lent, we are invited to journey with Jesus—through a world beset by injustice, pain, and conflict—not in despair, but in trust. As he spoke of his own Passover and set his face toward Jerusalem, so too are we called to embrace the cross, knowing it is the only path to resurrection. And as we walk this road, we make our own the psalmist’s song:
“I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” (Ps 27:13-14).
A Hymn for Today: “The Lord is my light”
Very little is known about African American composer Lillian Bouknight, except that she was a worship leader in the Pentecostal Holiness movement. She created a strong musical setting for her paraphrase of Psalm 27 that powerfully expresses the confidence of the community that sings, “Whom shall I fear?” Listen here.
The Lord is my light and my salvation,
the Lord is my light and my salvation,
the Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear? Refrain
Refrain:
Whom shall I fear, whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
whom shall I fear?
In the time of trouble, he shall hide me;
in the time of trouble, he shall hide me;
in the time of trouble, he shall hide me;
whom shall I fear? Refrain
Wait on the Lord and be of good courage,
oh, wait on the Lord and be of good courage,
wait on the Lord and be of good courage;
he shall strengthen thy heart. Refrain
Text: Lillian Bouknight (d. 1990), © 1981, Peermusic III, Ltd. and Savgos Music, Inc.; admin. Hal Leonard Corporation. Used by permission under OneLicense #A-729857
Music: Lillian Bouknight, arr. Paul Gainer
Image Credit: Snowstorm of Stars; Astronomer-photographers: S. Djorgovski (Caltech) and F. Ferraro (University of Bologna)
“Word and Song: A Lectionary Reflection” is written by the Executive Director of The Hymn Society, Rev. Dr. Mike McMahon. For his full bio, click here and scroll down to the “staff” section.
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