In this weekend’s Gospel account of the Transfiguration, we read: “While Jesus was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.”
Last weekend, we reflected on Pope Leo XIV’s Lenten Message in which he spoke of what is necessary for us to make good choices, not only during the Lenten Season, but beyond. He highlighted three movements: listening, fasting and journeying (together). On the importance of Listening the Holy Father states:
“This year, I would first like us to consider the importance of making room for the Word through listening. The willingness to listen is the first way we demonstrate our desire to enter into relationship with someone . . .
Our God is one who seeks to involve us. Even today He shares with us what is in His heart. Because of this, listening to the Word in the Liturgy teaches us to listen to the truth of reality. In the midst of the many voices present in our personal lives and in society, Sacred Scripture helps us to recognize and respond to {Him . . . } In order to foster this inner openness to listening, we must allow God to teach us how to listen . . .”
Perhaps the scene of the Transfiguration can provide us with the opportunity to stop and listen to what Christ is saying in our lives. In this second week of Lent, we are given a wonderful imperative to spend time listening to Him, who has much for us to hear.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Fr. Wayne