Mt 17,1-9

         When Philip asks to see the Father Jesus replies, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?”

        Jesus is the perfect reflection of the Father, whose voice is heard at his baptism and transfiguration, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.” The last words are imperative, “Listen to him.”

        We must faithfully listen to Jesus who personifies God’s Law. Listening to him leads to obedience.

        Three elderly men playing golf have difficulty due to strong winds. One of them remarks, “It is windy, isn’t it?” The second replies, “No. It’s Thursday!” The third man agrees, “Yes, I’m thirsty too! Let’s go get some beer!”

        Many have hearing problems due to gadgets stuck in their ears, unmindful of the outside world but worse, due to the unwillingness to listen to others!

        Worse still, many don’t listen to God’s teachings anymore, which has grave consequence in their personal life.

        By continuously disobeying the command, “Thou shall not kill”, killing has become legal in many countries, e.g., death penalty, euthanasia, abortion. There are 42 million abortions worldwide each year.
Impervious to this genocide many claim abortion is the right of every woman. How long do we keep on disobeying God, inflicting damage to ourselves?

        We ignore the law, “Thou shall not commit adultery”, weakening of the institution of marriage and family through divorce. Many marriages end up in divorce.
The increase of broken homes and of emotionally disturbed children are bitter fruits of this sexual revolution.

        By disregarding the law, “Thou shall not steal”, massive theft, corruption and cheating are institutionalised in business corporations and governments, which leads to economic disaster. Crimes against life and property are fruits of economic poverty and political instability. 

        The future is bleak unless we return to God. The Father’s voice becomes more urgent, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him!” Do we listen?

        Heavenly Father, help us observe Lent as an opportune time to seriously examine our hearts. Grant us a humble and contrite spirit. Lead us on the road to conversion.

        Brothers and sisters, let us remain truly pleasing to God at all times.

        + Manny Cabajar, C.Ss.R.D.D.