Are We Listening?

Saturday, July 9, 2011'

Reading: Mark 9:1-13

Reflection: There is something so simple in this passage that it is easy to overlook it for what seems to be more fantastic details. For example, we could spend a great deal of time trying to figure out what Jesus actually looked like in a transfigured state, or what He and His supernatural guests may have been talking about. But these do not seem to be the central issue for Mark. After all, if they were it seems Mark would have said something about them. Rather, in the midst of this incident, God himself envelops the disciples and speaks to them. When He does, He informs the disciples of the identity of Jesus as God's son and then gives them a single command. This command is simply to "listen" to Jesus. How important, simple, and yet difficult this task is to perform. It is my job to intentionally listen to what Jesus has to say to me. Where is He telling me to focus my time and energy? What is most important in this life and world? What are those things that can distract me from what really matters? What is true and false? If I would simply spend more time listening to Jesus perhaps I would be directed toward the center of God's will for that day. May I learn to listen more to what Jesus is seeking to say to me, and then positively responding to His voice.