listening post
"Listen to Him." —Matthew 17:5
When Peter saw Jesus transfigured, Peter thought the most appropriate thing to do was to build three tents (Mt 17:4). God the Father interrupted Peter by making the statement: "This is My beloved Son on Whom My favor rests. Listen to Him" (Mt 17:5). Like Peter, we often think the best course of action is to build something, buy something, or do something. However, many times the Lord wants us not just to do something but to sit there at Jesus' feet and listen to His words (Lk 10:39). "By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust your strength lies" (Is 30:15). "It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord" (Lam 3:26). The Lord commands us: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps 46:11, KJV).
Therefore:
- "Be quick to hear, slow to speak" (Jas 1:19).
- Be silent for a set period of time each day.
- Listen to God by reading the Bible daily.
- Listen to God by going to Mass daily or as frequently as possible.
- Remove spiritual hearing problems through Confession at least monthly.
The Lord promises: "Come to Me heedfully, listen, that you may have life" (Is 55:3). Listen up.
Prayer: Father, be Lord of my ears, mind, and heart.
Promise: "As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; when He reached the Ancient One and was presented before Him, He received dominion, glory, and kingship." —Dn 7:13-14
Praise: Praise Jesus, transfigured, risen, glorified, enthroned forever, and soon to come again!
Reference: (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Hearing God, or our audio tape AV 45-1 or video V-45.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 7, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 12, 2002