Hear and listen are verbs we use when we refer to our sense of hearing – using our ears. But they have significant differences in meaning. When we hear, it simply means that sounds come into our ears. Hearing is to physically experience the sense of sound. As long as one’s ear and brain are capable of processing sound waves, one can hear. It may not be deliberate. We hear so many different things throughout our lives, throughout each day. When we listen, we try to hear. It involves effort and concentration. We pay attention and try to understand every sound. It is to deliberately apply the ability to hear. One who listens is thinking about what is heard, what it means, how to respond, and whether to continue to listen/pay attention.
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Why do we celebrate this feast? Why did Jesus choose this moment to reveal His glory to His disciples? The Transfiguration comes at a time when Jesus was preparing His disciples for His own death. He was also preparing them for serious discipleship, by being prepared to endure the same trials, obstacles, opposition, persecution and even the cross which Jesus would endure. More importantly, the Transfiguration reminded His disciples, and us too, to listen to Jesus and be transformed by His words. Jesus must be the focus of the disciples’ and our lives, and that we should follow the example of mother Mary when she said: “Do whatever He tells you.”
Today, we are challenged by this Feast of the Transfiguration to listen to Jesus. We must listen to Jesus at every moment of our lives. We cannot only listen to Jesus when it suits us, or pick and choose what we want to listen. Rather, we must listen to Him when he challenges us to truly become His disciples, by being humble and willing to take up our crosses and follow him. Are we willing to put aside our ego, prejudices and pride, and really, faithfully and trustingly listen to Jesus?