“Listen to Him”…

“…This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” (Luke 9:35, RSVCE)

Last Wednesday on the liturgical calendar was the Transfiguration.  The Gospel reading was St Luke’s account of what transpired on Mount Tabor. 

The dozing disciples awaken to the glorious vision of Jesus ablaze in light, conferring with figures whom they recognize as Moses and Elijah.  Peter, not knowing quite how to respond, proposes that the disciples construct three “booths” to honor Jesus and Moses and Elijah.  Since it was apparently the “Feast of Booths”, Sukkot, this was entirely appropriate from his point of view. 

Even to this day, observant Jews build an outdoor shelter to celebrate this harvest festival in the Autumn.  They build a temporary shelter with four walls but open to the sky, and decorated with foliage, flowers and fruit.  Families gather to eat outside in this “sukkah” for a week, and it is meant to be a joyful season.  (Note: You can read about its original establishment in Leviticus 23:39-43.)

Peter wants to honor Jesus and his holy visitors and enjoy fellowship together and so, somewhat overwhelmed by what he has witnessed, he makes this suggestion.  Peter’s plan puts Jesus on the same plane as these revered ancestors of Israel, but God’s Voice comes to overrule this idea.  Jesus is different, unique, for He is the God-man, the Beloved Son, the Chosen One, not simply another great prophet like Moses and Elijah.  He will soon fulfill the entire Mosaic Law with its rituals and sacrifices by his own suffering and death.  And He will complete every longing of Israel expressed by the Prophets through his Resurrection and Ascension.  Jesus will not dwell in tents made by mankind; He will instead make his home in believing hearts!

The heavenly Voice is clear about what is most important for the disciples: “Listen to Him!”. This is the message for us today as well, for it is the vocation of everyone who desires to be called a disciple of Jesus Christ.  To listen, to heed, and to prioritize properly that careful listening in order to obey is the primary task of discipleship.  Among the myriad of voices and chatter and distractions around us at every moment, we are yet called to an attentive receptivity, creating an interior space which admits what is most crucial and life giving: the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. 

At the end of the account of the Transfiguration, Jesus insists on going down from the mountain heights to the valley below where needy people await him.  Like Peter, we must let go of our own plans and follow where Jesus leads.  We must be willing to consent to experience the sacrifices and suffering of our own “crosses” in the “valley” with a loving willingness if we are to truly follow after him.  But first and foremost we must listen, for He is the Word – the Word of God, the Word made flesh – who has chosen to dwell among us.  He alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life.