To Listen to God

Father Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm

There is a common theme among this Sunday's scripture readings (Genesis 12:1-4a, 2 Timothy 1:8b-10, and Matthew 17:1-9): God reveals Himself and His plan to those who are willing to listen and trust. From faith to revelation to mission, they become a roadmap for the Lenten journey. How do the readings guide our journey?

The Abraham Story: Faith Begins the Journey

In Genesis, God calls an elderly man to leave everything familiar. "Go from your country... to the land that I will show you." Abraham does not know where he is going; he only knows the One is calling him. His immediate obedience (verse 4a) illustrates the birth of faith. Abraham acts as an example for the first step for Christians during Lent: having enough faith in God to give up our security. Our own "going forth" throughout Lent is a journey of conversion where we give up our sins to be able to follow God into the future.

The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of the Destination

In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain. Suddenly, His appearance transforms, and His divine glory shines through. Moses and Elijah discuss His "exodus" (death) in Jerusalem. Then the Father speaks: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."

This event connects directly to Abraham. Just as God called Abraham to an unknown land, the disciples are being prepared for an unknown future—the Cross. The Transfiguration gives them a preview of the Resurrection so they can survive the suffering ahead. During Lent, we need these "mountaintop" moments—prayer, scripture, and the Eucharist—to remind us that suffering is not the end. We are called to listen to Jesus, especially when His words lead us toward sacrifice.

Paul's Exhortation: The Reason We Do Not Fear

Paul's letter to Timothy provides the theological foundation for both stories. He writes that God "saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to His own purpose." This grace was given to us "before time began" and is now revealed through the appearance of Christ, who "destroyed death and brought life to light."

Paul urges Timothy not to be ashamed of witnessing to Christ. Why? The same God who called Abraham and revealed Jesus on the mountain now empowers us. The call is not based on our merit but on God's eternal plan.

How do they fit together? First, Genesis shows the human response: trust and obedience. Moreover, Matthew shows the divine revelation: Jesus is the One we must follow. Finally, Timothy shows the result: a life of fearless witness.

Relevance for Lent

Lent is a season of listening. We are asked, like Abraham, to leave behind the 'familiar land' of sin. We are invited, like the disciples, to behold Christ's glory in prayer so we can endure our small "Good Fridays." And we are reminded, through Paul, that our salvation is a gift, not an achievement.

The takeaway is simple: Listen to Jesus. He is the beloved Son who leads us through the Cross to the resurrection. When we trust Him as Abraham trusted God, we gain the courage to witness without shame. (*)