NO LISTEN, NO LOVE

“A cloud came, overshadowing them, and out of the cloud a voice: ‘This is My Son, My Beloved. Listen to Him.’ ” –Mark 9:7

Jesus’ apostles did not listen to Him when He spoke of the cross and other matters. If we don’t listen to someone, we probably won’t know them well. When we don’t know someone well, we usually don’t love them much. This proved true of the apostles, for one betrayed Christ, another denied Him, and all except St. John abandoned Him when He was crucified.

In the Transfiguration, Jesus tried to change His apostles’ view of Him so that they would listen to Him, know Him, and love Him deeply. Knowing Jesus was God, wouldn’t they listen to Him? No, they did not listen to Him even after seeing Jesus’ glory as God. After His crucifixion and death, Jesus rose from the dead. If this didn’t prove that Jesus is God and worth listening to, what would? Finally, Jesus ascended, and the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost. In the Holy Spirit, the apostles proclaimed that Jesus is Lord, God (1 Cor 12:3). They listened to Him accordingly, knew Him personally, and each apostle loved Him with all his heart, soul, and mind (Lk 10:27). Instead of abandoning Him, they died for love of Him. “Listen to Him” (Lk 9:35).

PRAYER: Jesus, give me a new Pentecost so that I will see You as transfigured and risen Lord God and love you accordingly.
PROMISE: “We possess the prophetic message as something altogether reliable. Keep your attention closely fixed on it, as you would on a lamp shining in a dark place until the first streaks of dawn appear and the morning star rises in your hearts.” –2 Pt 1:19
PRAISE: Praise the transfigured Jesus, Who opens our eyes to the glory all around and our ears to the voice of the Father!