Daily Gospel Reflection for August 6, 2015

Today's Gospel: Mark 9:2-10

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

“Because I said so!” Those were some of my mother’s words that I said I’d never repeat when I became a mother. That oath lasted until my oldest son was about three years old, and it was the only thing I could think of to end a debate with my toddler that had exhausted all of my patience and logic! The funny thing is…it worked. I don’t know if it was the surprise of a new line or the simplicity of the words, but it stopped all the nonsense.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up the mountain because each of them would have a very specific leadership role in the new church. They must have been amazed, inspired, and terrified beyond anything I can imagine that day. Knowing how weak and thick-headed our sinful nature can allow us to be, God knew he would have to hit ‘em with it straight and simple, so he gave a direct and powerful command: “This is my beloved son. Listen to Him.” He didn’t add the “because I said so,” but sometimes I think I need to hear it. As I read this Gospel, I’m struck by the magnificence and the simplicity of it all. Eternal Life isn’t attained by correctly answering a series of trick questions; it’s attained by following the directive given on the mountain: “Listen to him,” not “Do as you want.”

Ponder:

What are the areas of my life that are making me feel frustrated, cranky, or weak?

Pray:

Loving Father, please shine your loving light on the areas of my life that require me to listen to you. Reveal my stubbornness and desire to do things my way. Give me the grace of submission and obedience so that I may listen to you and do what you are asking me to do—simply because you said so—and remind me that you always know what’s best for me. Amen.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Sheri Wohlfert