Each reading speaks of individuals who stepped out in faith. In the first reading, Abram leaves his homeland. His journey reminds us that faith requires stepping forward without having all the answers, confident that God will guide and bless us. In the second, St. Paul encourages Timothy to remain steadfast, even in the face of suffering for the Gospel. He reassures us that while following God is not always easy, God’s plan, fulfilled through Jesus, brings everlasting life. In the Gospel, God instructs the disciples to listen to his Son, reminding us of the importance of following Jesus’ teachings. Every Holy Mass is an encounter with God on the mountaintop. We receive spiritual strength during the celebration and are then sent back into the world to live out what we have received. We are not meant to remain where we are. Instead, we are invited to move forward with hope, trusting that God will lead us, even down paths we do not expect.

Abba Father, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you. Amen.