DAILY HOMILIES #listen

Mary and Joseph knew that Jesus was God, meaning there was no need to bring the baby Jesus to the temple, but in humility (not wanting to appear like the special ones in their community), they followed the law. They presented God to God. Today’s Second Reading states: “He had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 2:17).

The Transfiguration was an eye-opening experience for Peter, James, and John that convinced them beyond doubt and strengthened their Faith. This experience can be likened to the case of Thomas after touching Jesus’ resurrected body. “My Lord and my God.” (John 20:26). After witnessing the Transfiguration, Peter, in today’s Second Reading, confessed: “It was not any cleverly invented myths that we were repeating when we brought you the knowledge and power and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:16).

Prayer is not all about informing God of our needs and problems (as if He does not already know). Prayer is a relationship, a dialogue. As we talk, we must listen because God speaks to us when we come into His presence.

The first thing we must do before we start praying is to place ourselves in the presence of God and realise that all our prayers are directed at God, not at those listening to us. Even if we use a microphone, we are not praying to people; we are praying to God. Yes, we may be praying for people, but it is God we are talking to.

The journey to anything excellent and beautiful is usually marred with a lot of obstacles and pot-holes. Even serving God is not easy. No one, not even Jesus Christ the Son of God was spared suffering, pain, and sorrow. Like gold which has to experience fire, you would face a lot of fires that would remove impurities from you. Don’t give up on God. Don’t think that your prayers are in vain. Things would not always be like this. Don’t worry – after the story comes the glory.

No matter how angry you are, there is always a way to communicate your pain without regretting later. This skill is called emotional intelligence. It begins by learning to listen deeply to others.