The Beloved Son

“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” (Mark 9:7)

On the mountain of the Transfiguration, Jesus is revealed to Peter, James, and John as “the beloved Son.” This is a significant moment in their journey to fully comprehend who Jesus is. Their understanding of his identity as the Son of God is solidified after his resurrection.

The revelation of Jesus as “the beloved Son” is followed by an important command, “Listen to him.” These words ought be at the heart of anyone who believes that Jesus is the beloved Son of God. If we believe Jesus is the beloved Son and therefore the source of fullness of life now and forever, why wouldn’t we want to listen to him? After all, he has the words of everlasting life.

Lent is a grace-filled time of the Church year when believers try to be more attentive to God’s place in their lives. Being more attentive to God also entails being more attentive to his word. Are you living your life in accord with God’s word? When you pray, do you not only pour out your heart to the Lord, but also listen to him with a heart open to his word? Does his word clearly give direction to your life? When God’s word challenges something in your life, do you humbly submit to his voice and seek conversion?

The Gospel of the Transfiguration invites us to renew our belief in Jesus Christ as “the beloved Son.” It also calls us to a renewed commitment to “listening to him” and living in accord with his life-giving word.

Fr. John P. Klein, Pastor