“Our citizenship is in heaven.”
Pastoral Reflection for the 2nd Sunday of Lent, March 16, 2025, Year C
Sunday’s readings are about unveilings! In the first reading, God unveils His covenant with Abraham, a covenant that will last forever. Abraham’s children will be as numerous as the stars and will last for all time. In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us that we are citizens of heaven and that we should not become lost in passing things. Finally, the full glory of Jesus is unveiled to the apostles in the Transfiguration. What does this unveiling mean for us? First, we are a part of the great family of Abraham by virtue of our baptism. We are God’s beloved children, numerous as the stars! We need to remember who we are. Our final citizenship is in heaven, in the very presence of God! In his Transfiguration, Jesus has revealed his own true nature and ours as children of the same Father. In part, our lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and alms-giving are meant to help us recall who we are in Christ and to do as He did. In this Holy Year of Hope, let us grow as God’s children in mercy, love, and care for ourselves and others through the disciplines of Lent.
Call to Action
- As Easter approaches, we know how important it is to make giving as seamless and accessible as possible for your parishioners. That’s why we’re excited to introduce GiveCentral’s SmartStickers—a simple and effective way to encourage generosity right from the pews! These small, coin-sized Smart Stickers use Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, allowing parishioners to tap their smartphones and instantly donate or submit a prayer request—no apps, no camera, no typing, just a simple tap. We encourage you to place them in pews and high-traffic areas this Easter to provide an easy, tech-friendly way for your parishioners to give. If you’d like to order stickers in time for Easter, please let us know—we’d be happy to assist! You can request GC SmartStickers from Teresa Meyer at teresa@givecentral.org.
- Have your GC SmartGive and SmartText ready for these Lenten Sundays! Lent and Easter are major times for your donors to give, especially for your charitable outreach. Print your texting phone number and QR Code on your Pew Engagement Cards, banners, and notices around the church or in your bulletin for easy access by your parishioners and visitors. Engagement Card templates are available in your Comms Portal on your GC Dashboard.
- Making the Sign of the Cross is an act of blessing but also an act of identity! It demonstrates to us and to others who we are—the children of God redeemed in Christ. During mass, take a moment to remind your parishioners why they make the sign of the cross when mass begins and when they pray. Use your GC Smart Text during the week to send a little reminder about making the Sign of the Cross!
- Remind your families to pray together at meals and other times during the day and week. Ask the parents to emphasize the importance of prayer, fasting, and giving for the poor (almsgiving) during Lent with their children.
- If you didn’t participate in the Webinar on March 12, join GiveCentral’s Teresa Meyer in a special Webinar on Enhancing Your Lent & Easter Engagement & Giving on March 26, 2025 at 10 AM CDT. Discover how GC SmartGive can assist you with enhancing your giving and engagement during the Lent and Easter Seasons. Register here! Engagement and Giving Webinar
