Jesus commented that His sheep "recognize His voice" and "follow Him" (Jn 10:4). Jesus' followers "will not follow a stranger; such a one they will flee, because they do not recognize a stranger's voice" (Jn 10:5).
Sometimes the Lord's voice is not easy to hear. Jesus speaks softly, not crying out (Mt 12:19). The Lord often speaks most powerfully in "a still small voice" (1 Kgs 19:12, RSV-CE). Like Mary of Bethany, we must choose the best part, put everything aside, sit at Jesus' feet, and listen to His voice (Lk 10:39). We must repent of disregarding His voice and diligently listen for it. We must shut off the TV and turn off our computers. If we don't turn off the voices of those competing with God for our attention, those voices may prevail (see Lk 23:23ff). We must rise early while it is still quiet and listen for His voice. Otherwise, we will be "only too ready to disregard His voice" (Bar 1:19).
"Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ" (Catechism, 133) and of His voice. We will hear His voice if we are committed to hearing Him and committed to the truth (Jn 18:37).
On Judgment Day, all will hear and recognize Jesus' voice (Jn 5:28). Then it will be too late to repent and change (Jn 5:29). Will Judgment Day be the first time you recognize His voice? "Oh, that today you would hear His voice" (Ps 95:7).
| PRAYER: | Jesus, like St. John the Baptizer, I will listen for you and rejoice greatly at the sound of Your voice (Jn 3:29). |
| PROMISE: | "He who hears you, hears Me." –Lk 10:16 |
| PRAISE: | St. Jerome, after studying Latin and Greek, becoming an orator and touring Gaul, heard the call and was baptized. He used his skills to translate the Word of God so that many could hear the voice of their Lord. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College