TODAY'S GOSPEL REFLECTION: "ATTENTIVE LISTENING TO CHRIST"

 TODAY'S GOSPEL REFLECTION: "Attentive Listening to Christ"

May 02, 2023. Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Gospel

Jn 10:22-30

The feast of the Dedication was 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 Christ, 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."

Reflection

We are given the freedom to choose what to do with our time. How do we use our time to reflect on God's message? It is easy to perceive that the bible simply contains motivational letters and reminders from ancient people. However, the Sacred Scripture is meant to be patronized by the constant practice of attentive listening. Today, we heard how Christ showed us a typical human reaction. Someone in the Gospel today wanted to command Jesus to simply say that He is the Messiah they've been waiting for. But we all know that throughout the New Testament, Christ has been sending us the message of His Messianic mission. Therefore, Jesus has been sending the same message throughout the past generations. In our time, we are challenged not to ask but to stay silent, to listen attentively, and to constantly go back to the Scriptures. If we strive to learn and listen to the voice of The Good Shepherd, surely, the Holy Spirit will work on us to reveal the things God has been longing for us to understand.

May Our Almighty God, show us the way to learn the voice of The Good Shepherd. And may, through our constant prayer enlighten us about our mission.

In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen+

Reflections by: T.K.R.S

Go to USCCB website for the full readings.