Daily Reflection – 5/2/2023
Keepers Of The Tabernacle
Faith Series
Sacred Scripture
The feast of the Dedication was then taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So, the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”(John 10:22-30)
Reflection
In today’s scripture Jesus talks about listening . . . “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. Those who belong to me listen to my voice, he says.”
The scriptural reality is that Jesus Christ calls us by name with a deep and personal knowing. He calls us as individuals, but as individuals who are called by Christ to form a loving community.
As his sheep we are to actively listen for the sound of his voice in our daily lives. His Spirit will guide us and direct us. That is so important because we must recognize that He calls to us amid the clamor and stampede of a secular world that fills our ears with messages that are often at odds with what God knows will give us true Life.
We live in a world of loudly competing voices that stridently speak to us in turn of doom and hopelessness, greed and domination, fear vs. hope— voices that call for violent retribution whenever we feel threatened — voices that pit us one against another — voices that use labels to differentiate and separate.
Those are not the followers of Christ; those are not His beloved sheep. Look around and listen again. Each time we hear a voice that speaks in anger, or of evil, or debasement of another, we know we are not listening to a follower of the way.
Whose voice are you listening to?
Do you hear the voice of generosity? That you have been given the wonderful gift of life. You are alive, you are gifted – just because you are. Even if you do not yet know the Creator – are you listening and following and being generous not only with money but with your time and your talent, with your joy and laughter and truth?
Do you hear the voice of justice and compassion? That it is good to “treat others as you would have them treat you?” Are you listening to make sure you do your part to assure that children have food, and families have homes, and the sick can be cared for, and the uninsured don’t have be scared? That justice doesn’t mean punishment; the voice of justice means celebration and restoration.
Do you hear the voice of kindness, of reconciliation, of forgiveness, of seeking the common ground. His followers do. They understand that we grow as each grows. That our spirits are shaped by the actions of others. That is why it’s so important to find His followers among us. To grow in love.
If you are listening to the voice of love, hospitality, generosity, justice and compassion, creation and hope – NOTHING in this whole world will be able to snatch you away – nothing will be able to knock you down, tear you up, turn you around because nothing can separate you from the grace and love of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
His is the voice of the True Shepherd, which is steady, constant and eternal. Jesus’ voice comes into our midst and it binds us in love to those around us. This voice calls us into the fold and tells us we do not stand-alone. Jesus’ voice penetrates our hearts with the knowledge and truth of God’s love.
“My sheep hear my voice,” Jesus tells us. ” I call them by name and they follow me, I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What could give us more powerful comfort and hope than that? “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand”.
This is God’s promise to each one of us. Is there any promise that could be greater or meaningful?
Prayer of The Day
“Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd who secures what is best for each one of us. In you alone I place all my trust and hope both now and forever. Open my ears to hear your voice today and to follow your commands.”
Daily Note
Today, as always, Jesus tells us we have a choice. Will we listen for his voice, or will we surrender to the madness? The Good News is that Christ calls endlessly, every day, and will continue to call to us for an eternity. Oh that today we would hearken to his voice.
