Dear Parishioner,

     In the Gospel this Sunday we see Jesus transfigured on the mountain. Peter’s reaction is that they must “do something”. He suggests that three tents be set up, one for Moses, one for Elijah and one for Jesus. In this he seems merely to equate Jesus with these two albeit pivotal figures in Jewish history, representing the Law and the Prophets. This illustrates what so often happens when we feel we must get control and do something: we miss the point and get it wrong. Peter is not being asked to do anything except listen. The voice from heaven says “This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.”

     This message for Peter, and for James and John, the other two Apostles with him on the mountain, is for us. At least this may sound easy for us but listening can be the hardest thing of all. Listening is not the same as simply hearing. We can hear a sound whether we like it or not whereas listening requires a conscious effort. As with anything that requires an effort we can either not do it at all, put our entire effort into it or settle for a response in-between. When someone is talking to us, so often we “half” listen. We do not really listen to what they are saying. It is so important for us if we are really to live happily as Christians that we try into listening to Jesus. He is the Son of God – listen to him!

     Peace-making necessitates listening. This Lent takes place for the third year running against a background of fighting and destruction in Ukraine and Russia. We continue to make a just peace between Ukraine an intention in our prayers and Lenten commitments. We also remember earnestly in our prayers the terrible situation in Gaza and the continuing captivity of the remaining Israeli hostages. There is so much in the news about the initiatives to end these situations – may all involved allow God to speak to their hearts and make use of the opportunities being afforded to them now. Let us also not forget those suffering grievously from conflict in Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

 Yours in Christ,

Fr Timothy Gorham, OSB