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Monday, August 06, 2007 Meditation Luke 9:28-36 The Transfiguration of the Lord Peter was a “take charge” kind of fellow. Jesus must have recognized that quality when he first saw him in his fishing boat on the edge of the sea. More than once, Jesus even congratulates him for this characteristic, prophesying a leading role for Peter. He tells the fisherman that he will become a fisher of men, and he even calls Peter the “rock” on which he will build his church. However, it took many lessons from Jesus for Peter to be able to fulfill these roles and achieve the potential that Jesus saw in him. In today’s Gospel, we see Peter wanting to take charge again. Seeing the glory of God come upon Jesus, as well as Moses and Elijah standing with him, Peter immediately proposed building some kind of shrine to memorialize this amazing event. Instead of standing in awe of what was before his eyes—instead of prostrating himself before these holy men, Peter wanted to take action. But, knowing Peter’s tendencies, the Father told him exactly what he needed to hear: “This is my chosen Son; listen to him” (Luke 9:35). “Listen to him.” This is a word we all need to hear. If we want to serve Jesus as his disciples on this earth, we need to spend time listening to him and getting direction and guidance from him. All action and no reflection is far from the most effective way to build the kingdom of God! Remember the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)? Martha was busy working, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to his teaching. Of course, Martha did good things, but Mary chose the better part. We can learn from these stories and make sure we are spending enough time with Jesus, adoring him, praying, reading his word. As we do, we will begin to detect the difference between a “good” idea and an inspired one that comes from the Holy Spirit. Jesus wants to lead us in all our endeavors, and if we stay in touch with him, he will make us into his own instruments, no matter what we are doing. “Jesus, I want to sit at your feet today. Even when I am busy with the tasks of daily life, I want to hold you close in my heart and listen to your voice. I love you, my Jesus, my Savior and Lord.” Daniel 7:9-10,13-14; Psalm 97:1-2,5-6,9; 2 Peter 1:16-19 |
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