Bible Reading: Matthew 17:1-6
Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said,
"This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"
A Reflection:
I find it difficult to imagine the spectacular scene on the mountain that is described in these verses. Jesus has climbed there with three of his key disciples and then he has been transfigured before them; the word used here is ‘metamorphosis,’ as in a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. Jesus is temporarily revealed in all the glory that he laid down when he came from heaven to earth to save us. And then, as if that was not enough, two key patriarchs from Israel’s history appear on the mountain with them.
And in all this awe and wonder, what does Peter do? He suggests they start building a small campsite.
Sometimes it is all too easy to get so busy with the ‘doing’ that we miss out on the ‘being’. This can happen in our relationships in our homes when we don’t stop just to ‘be’ together and to communicate. It can also happen in our churches and communities when we are unable to ‘be’ together in person in each other’s company.
Being too busy with the ‘doing’ so that we miss out on the ‘being’ also happens in our relationships with God when we fail to find time just to be aware of his presence, to worship him in our hearts, to pray to him and, above all, to listen to him.
The disciples have climbed a high mountain with Jesus, they have seen remarkable sights, Peter has suggested doing something very practical, but in all the wonder and the glory, what is God’s priority?
"This is my Son, whom I love… Listen to him!"
With all the things that are going on around us, whether they are the mind-boggling things that are beyond our control, or the mundane things that make up most of our lives, let us not forget to find time and space just to listen to God’s beloved Son, Jesus.
Pray:
Lord, give me ears to listen,
a mind to understand, and a heart to respond to what you are saying.
Amen
Speak, O Lord