Listening to God

by Deacon Lorna Goodison on February 24, 2022

This Sunday we celebrate Jesus’ Transfiguration. But before today’s gospel (Luke 9:28-36) begins, Jesus, knowing what was ahead, declared, “the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected…. and be killed and on the third day be raised.” The disciples heard with their ears but did not understand Jesus’ prediction. Jesus then takes His three closest disciples, Peter, James, and John, up a mountain to pray. Perhaps, in the sacred space of the mountain, their spiritual ears would be opened to hear Jesus’ words!

As Jesus prayed, “the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became dazzling white.”  Then with Jesus, there appeared two heavenly visitors, great giants of faith, Moses, and Elijah, representing the laws and the prophets. Jesus’ ministry of completing the work of Moses and Elijah was about to be fully accomplished, so there was a conversation among them about Jesus' upcoming departure.    

On their part, the disciples, half-asleep, were awe-struck, stunned, and speechless as they opened their eyes to the overwhelming scene of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah shining radiantly in glory. Peter was so impressed that he wanted to remain in the awesomeness of the moment. But God’s voice resounded through the clouds, “This is My Beloved Son. Listen to Him.” Through God’s voice, we have the ultimate epiphany. Jesus, appearing in glory, is revealed as the Son of God. And God requires obedient listening to His Son.   

As the Season After Epiphany ends and we approach Lent, may we invite Christ in our hearts anew, asking Him to teach us how to listen, to truly hear what He says to us? The listening that God asks of us requires engagement of our body, mind, and soul. To listen spiritually is to broaden one’s vision of the seen and unseen world. To listen is to end our distracted lifestyles and ponder those moments when God’s glory breaks into our lives. To listen is to hear God’s call to live in love. To listen is to recall Jesus’ past actions and hear Him affirm His ongoing presence with us.  

May we, aided by the Spirit, practice being still so we may hear the soft voice of the One who delights in us and awakens love in us. May we, aided by the Spirit, hear the voice of the One who invites us into His suffering and death, promising us new life and the riches of eternal glory with God.

Tags: listen, new life, beloved son, god's voice, eternal glory, listen to him, live in love

About the Author
Deacon Lorna Goodison

Reverend Lorna Goodison was ordained to the Diaconate on April 29, 2007. After discerning a call to ordained ministry, Deacon Lorna completed a process of spiritual discernment and pursued three years of study at the Diocesan School for Christian Studies. She also completed three units of hospice care training through Vitas and for a short while she was a volunteer Chaplain. Highlights of her continuing education activities include a guided visit to Israel and attending the Festival of Homiletics in Boulder, Colorado.

Soon after her ordination, Deacon Lorna was called to serve as Deacon at St. Mary Magdalene. She initiated an outreach ministry to the homeless at St. Laurence Chapel, obtaining the support and involvement of most members of the congregation. This ministry remained a vibrant outreach of the Church until the Chapel closed in 2019.  Other outreach ministries formed include an informal group of members who stay in touch with members who are ill and shut-in. Deacon Lorna remains committed to both the in-reach and outreach ministries of the Church. She has led quiet day reflections for groups within and outside of St. Mary Magdalene. She has often led Deacon’s Masses at small churches without a priest. Of all the ministries in which Deacon Lorna participates, she is most humbled and grateful to be involved in the ministry of praying with congregants facing life’s challenges.

Deacon Lorna serves the Diocese of Southeast Florida as a member of the Disciplinary Committee. She also serves on the Board of Deacons.   

Professionally, Deacon Lorna worked for some years in Human Resource Departments as a Training Manager, but most of her working years were spent in Social Work. She worked with at-risk teenagers counselling them and guiding them to resources to build a meaningful future. The last twenty years of her profession, were spent working with Seniors, guiding them to the resources needed to maintain their safety and independence. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Adult Education. She is now retired, cherishes some alone time for prayer and reflection, but divides her time between the Church and her family which consists of two daughters, their husbands and three grandchildren.

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