When Jesus Ignores Us

When Peter witnessed the Transfiguration, he blurted out a rather odd request to fashion some temporary shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. Luke 9:28-36 records no reply from Jesus at all, but a cloud covering the scene and God saying, "This is my Son, my chosen one. Listen to him!" There are a number of theories as to what Peter's request was all about. Some suggest that an Old Testament prophecy picturing the kingdom of God like the Feast of Tabernacles prompted him to build booths. Some translations suggest that Peter wanted to erect memorials for the occasion. Others take it at face value as a mundane proposal to provide shelters from the weather. One thing that is clear is that Peter's request was totally irrelevant and seems to have been unanswered. Perhaps when God seems to ignore us, we too need to just be silent and listen to Jesus.