Listen

Genesis 12:1-4a

2 Timothy 1:8b-10

Matthew 17:1-9

Divine Inspiration

The common thread in the New Testament reading – Paul’s second letter to Timothy – and the Gospel is basically, “Be still and know that I am Lord.”  Did that stand out for anyone else?  It’s subtle, but it’s there.  Paul writes, “He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to His design and grace.”  In the Gospel, Peter sees Jesus talking to Elijah and Moses on the mountain top, and what’s his reaction?  He immediately wants to take action, to do something, and he offers to build three tents.  God’s response is to say, “This is my Son.  Listen to Him.” 

Humans are action oriented.  Action seems to be our natural response to anything.  When someone is hurting, we ask, “What can I do?”  When someone has something great happen for them, we automatically think about planning a celebration.  In every area of life, we are constantly looking to do.  But that’s not what God is telling us.  His instruction was very clear – to listen.  Just listen.  It’s not through works, but by His grace that we are saved.  Never underestimate the powerful good that simply listening to God or to one another can do.  It’s also one of the most difficult things for humans to do.  It’s in our nature to fix things.  But that’s not our job; it’s God’s.  God will fix everything in time (His time!).  He doesn’t need our help.  What He needs from us is stillness, quiet, space to listen and hear His guidance in our lives.  It’s the same between friends and loved ones.  The most precious gift we can give someone is our full, undistracted presence to simply listen. 

The next time you’re tempted to do or take action, take a deep breath and pause.  Listen.  Focus.  And pray.  The outcome will be far better than anything you or any one person can do.

Amen.

Readings and Divine Inspiration from Sunday, March 16, 2014.