Listen

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Listen

Wholeheartedly     Lovingly

Hear     Accept     Transform

Light Through The Gospel

Speak

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scriptures:   2 Timothy 1:8b to 10

Carry your share of the burden for the gospel with God's power.

God redeemed us and brought us to a holy life, not due to our own works but according to the plan and the grace gifted to us in Christ Jesus even prior to the beginning of time, but now shown to us through the coming of our savior Christ Jesus, who overcame death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Matthew 17: 1 to 5

Jesus took three of the apostles, Peter and James and his brother John, up a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured before them; his face was as bright as the sun and his clothes appeared white as light.

Moses and Elijah also were there. They were talking with Jesus.

Peter said, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you would like, I will build three tents right here, one could be for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

As he was talking, behold, a bright cloud brought a shadow over them, then a voice spoke from the cloud and said, "This is my beloved Son. I am deeply pleased with him. Listen to him."

Reflection

What an amazing scene the author of Matthew describes for us. The three apostles are overwhelmed. They are deeply moved.

It reminds us of moments in our lives when we were left speechless. The news that we heard, the scene that we saw, the feelings that stirred within us were so awesome that we could not find the words to describe them.

They probably could not believe that Jesus was transformed before them. Added to that were Moses and Elijah. Then a voice out of this bright cloud (a shocking scene in itself!) that tells them to listen to Jesus.

The importance of listening!

We know it is a great blessing when someone actually listens to us. We feel affirmed and truly loved. We know this person really cares for us.

We are challenged here to take time to listen to Jesus. Certainly not an easy task because there are so many voices that we hear each day. Those voices can easily distract us.

There were no distractions for Peter, James, and John on that mountain. When they came down and joined the crowds and the other apostles, there would be many.

The author of Matthew is encouraging us to take time to listen to Jesus. In 2 Timothy we are reminded that Jesus has overcome death and He wants to bring us to life and immortality. 

Jesus does this through sharing the Gospel---the Good News---with us. In this amazing scene on the mountain the three apostles witness the Good News. They see Jesus transformed before them.

They know that Jesus has overcome all of our limitations of time and space. Death has no power over Him. They are beginning to realize the importance of listening to Him. 

Prayer is our opportunity to listen to Jesus as He speaks to us. His message is simple and yet so profound. 

He tells us how much He loves us and cares for us. He wants to be with us. He delights in us.

Come and listen!

1. What are your thoughts and feelings as you ponder the scene of the Transfiguration? 

2. How do you feel when someone truly listens to you?

3. How do you try to overcome the many distractions you face as you try to listen to Jesus?

4. What is the Good News that Jesus has shared with you personally?

5. What do you feel as you reflect on Kathy's photo?

(scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J, McNamara)