Listen to him…

The story of the transfiguration we hear in today’s Gospel highlights the mystery of Jesus as human and divine. His disciples and apostles knew the human side of Jesus. They traveled, shared meals and celebrated with him. Did they recognize his divinity? It seems at times they did and other times they wondered and questioned.

I appreciate the stories of Peter and of Thomas, the doubting apostle. Their occasional uncertainty helps me with my uncertainty. Faith is not static. A wise woman once told me that some days she felt surrounded by the Spirit and other days the Spirit was elusive. We all question and we all wonder.

On the mountain top we hear God saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” It is a simple directive from God. Peter, James and John were frightened by what they saw and heard on that mountaintop. Jesus comforted them. Eventually,  they set out to take what they had learned from listening to Jesus and shared it far and wide. This is what we are called to do. Some of us will do it through formal teaching and preaching as the apostles did. Most of us will do it in the way we live our daily lives and how we interact with each other – those we love and respect and those we would rather push to the margins and isn’t this another way to teach and preach?

What if you heard your name invoked by God, “This is Caroline, my beloved daughter with whom I am well pleased; listen to her,” or “This is Patrick my beloved son in whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Insert your name in this sentence: This is my beloved daughter or son__________ with whom I am well pleased; listen to her or to him. Sit with it for a while. It can be a transfiguring moment that leads to unexpected places.

Last weekend I attended the Religious Education Congress sponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Reflecting on the crowds of people gathered to listen, pray and have their spirits renewed I am pretty sure there were some moments of transfiguration during workshops and liturgies or in the conversations over a meal. People came to the event to listen, learn and pray. There is no doubt many went home energized to share what they experienced.

As we move further into Lent reflecting on God calling you, “my beloved”, might be a helpful practice.

Peace,

Anne