Transformed in the Wilderness, Trusting in God’s Promises

Today’s reflection is from guest contributor Maxwell Kuzma, a transgender man living on a farm in Ohio who writes about the intersection of queerness and faith. You can follow him on Twitter @maxwellkuzma.

Today’s readings for the Second Sunday of Lent can be found here.

Today’s liturgical readings invite us to contemplate themes of transformation, discernment, and faith in the midst of uncertainty. They help us on our spiritual journeys which are always full of peaks and valleys, joyful exuberance and desert stillness. LGBTQ+ Catholics are often particularly attuned to quiet spiritual discernment on our journeys.   The Lenten  season offers many aids for us.

In the reading from Genesis, we witness God’s covenant with Abram, where God promises him descendants as numerous as the stars. This promise comes in the midst of uncertainty for Abram, who, though faithful, struggles to fully understand how God’s promises will come to pass. His question, “How am I to know that I shall possess it?” echoes the doubts and questions that many of us have in our spiritual journeys. 

In the face of challenges or periods of doubt, it can be difficult to trust fully in God’s plans for us. Like Abram, many of us LGBTQ+ Catholics face moments of uncertainty and questioning, particularly when our experiences of identity and love are not always fully understood or embraced by society or the Church. Yet, God’s promise to Abram reminds us that even in the midst of our doubts and struggles, we are part of a larger story. The covenant God made with Abram was not just for him but for generations to come, and similarly, the love and faithfulness of God extends to all, regardless of our identity or experiences. We are not alone in our journey; God’s promises are still meant for us, and we are invited to walk with faith, even when the path seems unclear.

The response to today’s Psalm,“The Lord is my light and my salvation,” further underscores this theme of trust and faith. In moments of fear or darkness, we are reminded that God is our guide and refuge. Through discernment, we quiet our fears by slowing down and looking inward to hear the still voice of God. 

LGBTQ+ people of faith have a unique relationship to discernment—one that is unusually deep due to the self-knowledge necessary for us to fully meet God as our true selves. We often feel marginalized or excluded and this psalm offers reassurance that God sees us, knows us, and is always with us. The psalmist’s words echo the importance of waiting for the Lord with courage and confidence. As we face societal and personal challenges, we hold onto the belief that God’s love and presence will guide us through the darkness.

In the reading from Philippians, St. Paul urges the community to “stand firm in the Lord” and to imitate those who live according to the example of Christ. It is very easy to feel discouraged or isolated when we face rejection or struggle to reconcile our faith with our identity. But, we also know that Christ can always be found with the vulnerable and the marginalized. Even if everyone else were to turn away, Christ would still see us and stand with us. 

Finally, the Gospel passage from Luke tells the story of the Transfiguration, where Jesus reveals his divine glory to Peter, John, and James on the mountaintop. This moment of divine revelation reminds us of who Jesus is. The glory of God is not always visible to us in everyday life, but it is always present. We, too, are invited to listen to Jesus, as the voice from the cloud commands, and to trust in the promise of transformation that he offers to all. 

For LGBTQ+ people, the Transfiguration is also  a source of hope. Just as the disciples witnessed a glimpse of Jesus’ glory, we, too, are called to see ourselves in the light of God’s love and glory. This light shines on all people, regardless of identity or background. It calls us to embrace our true selves and to trust that, even in times of difficulty, God’s glory is present and will transform our lives in ways we cannot always see in the moment.

As we reflect on these readings, we remember that this season of Lent offers an opportunity to reflect on our own spiritual journey, to stand firm in our belief, and to listen to the voice of Jesus calling us to transformation. Just as Abram’s faith was counted as righteousness and the disciples were given a glimpse of divine glory, we too are called to walk in faith, trusting that God’s covenant with us is true, and that God’s light will guide us through every dark and uncertain moment.

—Maxwell Kuzma, March 16, 2025

For a guided reflection on today’s gospel story, check out the Transfiguration installment of  Journeys, New Ways Ministry’s scriptural reflection series for LGBTQ+ people and allies.