I will praise your name for ever, Lord. — Psalm 145:(see 1)
Mass Readings: Hebrews 11:1-7 / Mark 9:2-13 (340)
The voice that thundered forth affirmation at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry (Mt 3:17) speaks again in today’s Gospel, this time with a clear command to the disciples: “Listen to him.” Throughout His ministry, Jesus was directed by the Father’s voice — not the voice of clamoring crowds (Mt 21:8ff), not the taunting voices of His enemies (Mk 15:29ff), not the well-meaning voices of fearful friends (Mt 16:22). The disciples, however, in the face of hard teachings, listened to their own inner voice of fear (Mk 8:31ff). “Listen to him” is a divine command to heed what Jesus says — about Himself, but also about the way of the cross that both He and His disciples would have to follow.
Myriad voices vie for our attention and for our obedience. Whose voice carries the greatest weight with me?
Prayer: Lord, keep my heart tuned in to Your voice and my will attuned to obey.