This is my Son, listen to Him
The phrase “This is my Son, listen to Him” echoes the words spoken by God the Father during the Transfiguration of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels:
- Matthew 17:5 – “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”
- Mark 9:7 – “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”
- Luke 9:35 – “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
Reflection on These Words
At the Transfiguration, Jesus reveals His divine glory to Peter, James, and John on Mount Tabor. The voice from heaven confirms His identity as the Son of God and commands the disciples to listen to Him. This moment is significant because it reaffirms Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (represented by Moses and Elijah, who appear beside Him).
Spiritual Application
- A Call to Trust in Jesus
God’s command to “listen to Him” is an invitation to trust Jesus fully. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to listen to Jesus? Are you open to His guidance in prayer, scripture, and daily life? - The Importance of Silence and Obedience
Listening requires silence and an open heart. How often do we truly listen to Jesus in prayer rather than simply speaking to Him? Practicing silent, receptive prayer helps us attune ourselves to His voice. - A Reminder of Jesus’ Authority
These words remind us that Jesus is not just a wise teacher or prophet—He is the Son of God. His teachings carry divine authority, calling us to live according to the Gospel. - The Transfiguration as a Sign of Hope
The disciples were struggling to understand Jesus’ mission, especially His coming Passion. The Transfiguration reassured them of His divine nature. Likewise, in our trials, we are called to trust that Jesus is leading us toward resurrection and glory.
Personal Reflection Questions
- Where in my life do I need to listen more closely to Jesus?
- What distractions prevent me from hearing His voice?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in Jesus’ guidance?
A Prayer to Listen to Jesus
“Lord, You are my teacher, my guide, and my Savior. Help me to open my heart to truly listen to Your voice. Give me the grace to follow You even when the path is unclear. Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. Amen.”
Personal reflection questions
Let’s take a look into the personal reflection questions, using the Ignatian method of prayer and reflection to help you listen more attentively to Jesus. We’ll use Scripture, contemplation, and examen to guide the process.
1. Where in my life do I need to listen more closely to Jesus?
This question invites us to consider the areas of life where we struggle to hear and follow Jesus’ voice. We may hear Him but hesitate to act, or we may be too distracted to recognize His guidance.
Guided Reflection:
- Close your eyes and imagine Jesus standing before you. He calls you by name and says: “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51).
- Where do you feel uncertain, afraid, or resistant to His guidance?
- What area of your life—your relationships, work, spiritual growth, decisions—needs His wisdom the most?
- Spend a moment in silence and listen. Is there a scripture verse, word, or feeling that arises in your heart?
Scripture to Meditate On:
- John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
- Isaiah 30:21 – “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.'”
Action Step:
Write down any inspirations or words that arise in prayer. Ask Jesus for the grace to listen attentively to His voice in that specific area of your life.
2. What distractions prevent me from hearing His voice?
Many things can drown out God’s voice: busyness, worries, temptations, or simply not making time for prayer.
Guided Reflection:
- Picture yourself in a noisy, crowded room. Jesus is calling you, but His voice is faint amid the distractions.
- What noises fill your life? (Technology, stress, personal fears, work, social expectations?)
- What inner voices make it hard to trust Jesus? (Doubt, guilt, pride, impatience?)
- Imagine Jesus gently leading you away from the noise to a quiet place where you can hear Him clearly.
Scripture to Meditate On:
- Luke 10:41-42 – “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.”
- Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Action Step:
Commit to removing or reducing at least one distraction this week—whether it’s excessive screen time, worrying about the future, or overworking—and dedicate that time to silent prayer or scripture reading.
3. How can I cultivate a deeper trust in Jesus’ guidance?
Trusting Jesus means surrendering, even when we don’t understand His plan. Ignatian spirituality encourages us to pray for the grace of detachment—letting go of control and allowing God to lead.
Guided Reflection:
- Think of a time in your life when you trusted God and He led you through a difficult situation.
- What happened when you let go and surrendered to Him?
- Now, imagine yourself holding onto something tightly (a fear, a plan, a desire for control).
- Picture Jesus asking you, “Will you trust Me with this?” How do you respond?
Scripture to Meditate On:
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”
- Matthew 14:29-31 – (Peter walking on water) “Come,” said Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind, he was afraid… Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him.”
Action Step:
Write a prayer of surrender. Tell Jesus what you are struggling to trust Him with, and ask Him for the grace to let go. You can use this prayer daily:
“Jesus, I give You my fears, my plans, and my uncertainties. I trust that You are leading me, even when I do not see the way. Strengthen my heart to listen to You and follow You with confidence. Amen.”
Final Exercise: The Examen on Listening to Jesus
At the end of your day, take 5-10 minutes to do an Ignatian Examen focused on listening to Jesus:
- Gratitude – Thank Jesus for the moments today where you were aware of His presence.
- Review the Day – When did you feel His voice guiding you? When did you struggle to listen?
- Identify a Challenge – What distractions or fears blocked you from following Him today?
- Ask for Grace – Ask for His help to be more attentive to His voice tomorrow.
- Close with a Prayer – “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:9)
