Sunday, March 1, 2015

Second Sunday of Lent: Wholehearted Listening

“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” - MK 9:2-10

The readings on this Second Sunday of Lent invite us to climb the mountain with Jesus and lean on Him for strength. The word ‘transfigure’ implies a complete and genuine change from within, not a superficial one. During Lent, we are called to seek a type of transfiguration in our own lives and allowing this conversion to lead us into greater stewardship. It asks of us, “How is God calling me to see things in a new way?”

Climbing the mountain is neither straightforward nor easy. It must be done intentionally, willingly, and lovingly. The story of the Transfiguration can be seen as an assurance that when life gets tough and when the burden becomes heavy, God is always there waiting to help. But He will never force His way into our lives. We need to give Him permission to do something before He does them. It involves prayer, asking, giving God the okay to help us in the day-to-day trenches, and offering our wholehearted attention to truly listen.

Listening to God requires us to be ready to listen. Just as in a conversation, we cannot hear the other person if we are talking or if our mind is distracted. God speaks to us in so many ways, through His words, our thoughts, conversations with others, and circumstances. In silence and reflection, we give our mind and body a chance to slow down and incorporate awareness, stillness, and peace into our daily lives as well as increasing our capacity for greater compassion. 

By opening my heart and saying the words, “Jesus, be with me” or “Lord, I lift up this situation or person up to You,” I found leaning on Him was like salve being directly applied to the wound. With Him, I am able to carry on situations that I could not change by breathing in acceptance and breathing out love. Other times, I have breathed in gratitude and out forgiveness. However, there are moments where I am not able to muster anything beyond the breath itself, but the desire to be free of sorrow and disappointment. And in these instances, He invites me to simply rest with Him.

Lord, open my heart to feel Your compassion.

Reflected by Tam Lontok

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