Hearing the Voice of God

While the scribes and Pharisees sought to kill Jesus, they could find no means because the people all around were rapt.  They “were caught up in his words and his teaching” (Luke 19:45-48).

So why, ultimately were they able to get Him?  It was probably because most people tired of a new thing.  For a while this Rabbi offered something new and different, but then, as the seed landed on rocky ground, interest dried up and blew away (Matthew 13:20-21).

In the first fervor of our faith, we often take up many devotions and practices.  We travel the road of them thoroughly, keeping them faithfully.  Over time our ardor may die.  The words that once held us close no longer have any interest because of all the other things we crowded into our lives.  In today’s world especially, new products and new ideas are constantly bombarding us, luring our attention to worldly things.

Ask yourself truthfully, "Do I hang on His words?  Is every word out of Jesus' mouth my sole thought for the day?  Is God's revelation of love the ground of my being?  Do I listen to scripture and think about scripture as regularly as I do the lyrics of a song I like?"

I suspect the answer for most of us is "No."  We've heard those words ten-thousand times before, the wine has been pressed out of the grapes and all that is left are the smashed-out skin of the grapes.  Or so it seems.  But such a thought is an illusion, a snare.  The word of God—and the Word of God (Jesus)—is “ever-living”.  Each time we consider it anew we are made whole.  Each time we examine it we are transformed. 

Take some time out today and spend it "caught up in His words and His teaching."  Go to a weekday mass and listen prayerfully to the priest’s homily.  Take the time to do a "scriptural Rosary."  In today’s world of computers, smartphones, and specialized apps, it’s no trouble to find and pray a scriptural rosary online.  Listen to what is said in the scriptures that introduce and accompany each mystery.  Read a short passage of scripture; perhaps the readings for next Sunday's Mass, or reread the readings for today.

Hang on His words and you will be hearing hope.  You will be listening to the sounds of eternity.  You will be hearing the voice of God Himself.  You will be stunned when you hear Him say, "You are the apple of my eye. You are my chosen, my beloved, and I have loved you since before you were."