Anna White was a Parishioner of St. Julian’s Church in
Chicago. When she reached 106th birthday she was asked by a reporter
- what is her secret?
She said: “There is no secret. I live by my rules.
When I go to sleep, I tell God my problems. He tells me what to do. I keep
waking up – so I guess God’s happy with how I’m listening to Him.” How I’m listening to him!
Today’s Readings are a Tale of Two Mountains - Mount
Moriah & Mount Tabor
In the Bible – Mountains are mysterious places of
encounter with God.
1) Mt. Moriah
- Where is it? Jerusalem at the site of the Western Wall & Dome of Rock Recall -- First covenant was made with Abraham – our
Father in Faith
Promise of covenant shown in birth of Issac in their
old age 75 years old
Sarah laughed – called him Yitzhak = Issac = laughter
But now Abraham is called to offer “your son Issac, your only one, whom you
love” as an offering to God. A
terrible dilemma.
- If he refuses - he will turn his back on the one who
promised to make him a great nation
-
If he goes through with it, this promise will also be
cut off!
In this darkness - Abraham decides to “Listen To
God”
2) - Mt. Tabor up near the Galilee
A few days before this, Jesus asked: -- Who
do people say that I am Elijah, John
the Baptist, prophet
Who do you say that I am? Peter – Messiah
Jesus - This Messiah must suffer, die on the cross,
and rise 3 days later
Peter – this cannot be Get behind me, Satan - you are talking not as God does, but as
people do. (You Are Not Listening”)
6 days later Jesus takes them up Mt Tabor – he is
transfigured - turned inside out so divinity is revealed. How
He looked at Resurrection!
Father – this is my beloved son LISTEN TO HIM!!!
There will be darkness
– crucifixion! – but there will
be light
Get on a plane – go through safety routine – do you
listen? Except for this flight – we may
have a problem with the landing gear – lets go through what can happen –
everyone is listening now. Why listen –
best interests at heart –- want to save us - doesn’t Jesus?!
Try Listening to the One who can save our lives and
our souls!
Anna White was asked – what is your secret? It’s no secret – I listen to God!
