Listen to Him
The American Jesuit Daniel Berrigan once wrote Ten Commandments for the Long Haul. He was meditating on hope and perseverance in difficult times. His first commandment was ‘Call on Jesus when all else fails. Call on him when all else succeeds too, except that never happens’.
This Sunday’s gospel is Luke’s account of the Transfiguration, where Peter, James and John see a preview of Christ’s glory. Usually, that is the emphasis which is put on the story, especially in its Feast on August 6. And St Paul reflects in those terms in today’s second reading.
I want to reflect on a bit near the end of the story: ‘This is my son. Listen to him’.
Listen to him, when he tells you to share what you have with others and warns about the dangers of excessive wealth.
Listen to him when he tells you to not make a big deal of your good works or your religious observances. Listen to him when he reminds you of the splendour of the flowers in the field, and that all good things come from your loving Creator.
Listen to him when he tells you to let things go (always a hard one for your correspondent). Listen to him when he tells you that leadership means service, not pushing your own ego or power. Listen to him, most of all, when he says that those who seek what is right and those who make peace are blessed.
No one can be unaware of the vicious wars raging in various parts of the world, nor of often bitter disagreements, sometimes descending to the language of hatred, in many contexts, nor of the numbers of refugees, nor of the millions of people suffering economic hardship. We pray for peace; we all wish for a world where all may flourish. Over sixty years ago, Pope John began to address papal teaching to ‘all people of good will’, not just to Catholics. ‘This is my son. Listen to him’ and remember that you are all part of the same human family.
Jim McAloon
