Listen to Jesus

Today’s Gospel Text:  Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Eli'jah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, and when they wakened they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli'jah" - not knowing what he said. 34 As he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen. Luke 9:28-36

Reflection: It is a normal trend among most Christians to go by the scripture; Sola Scriptura, i.e. by the written word of God and nothing more and nothing less.

Yet among these are those who may claim to go purely by the word and in many aspects of their interpretation may have their own additional  sources to go by.

Then there are some Christians who are Christians only for name sake, who prefer to listen to themselves and make their own judgments about things and will have their own world view which is contrary to the faith.

Yet these may fulfill their Christian obligations either out of pure habit or a false fear of God or could it be a fear of being ostracized from a Christian community.

Surprisingly they will even teach the adherents of the Christ doctrine what to do and what not to do.

Just as the protestants go by the written word of God, likewise Catholics would go purely by what they have inherited from their parents and would listen to men and women authorized to preach.

Some will diligently study the word of God in the light of sound tradition and magisterium which serves these two pillars of faith.

Are we really doing the right thing in all these things by going by these routine acts, the way we go about?

If the starting point of our action is not sowed in obedience to God then all our actions can be wrong and mislead us?

The key issue is listening to the living Jesus who is with us in the power of the Holy Spirit: "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" (vs. 35)

Some of us may be actually practicing this injunction from God without knowing it. Aware of it we need to strengthen this grace in us while studying the things of God or while getting immersed in the sound teachings of the Church.

Prayer: Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God! Let thy good spirit lead me on a level path! Ps 143:10

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