“The
disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52)
Because the disciples heard Our Lord’s call, they
were able to spread the Gospel message with strength and vitality. We, too, can
experience that same joy if we take time to open our hearts, listen to God, ask
for His direction and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our lives and our
decisions.
The first reading is John’s vision of the glory of
heaven. The believers who listened to and followed the Lamb of God are there,
praising God. May our faith guide us on our lifelong journey to heaven.
The second reading tells how some Gentiles responded
to the preaching of Paul. They were overjoyed at having the Word of God brought
directly to them; however, Paul and Barnabas encountered both violent rejection
and joyful acceptance of the message that they preached. We too may meet with
mixed reactions when we use our gifts in the service of God. But, the Gospel
assures us, the reward for those who follow faithfully is eternal life.
In today’s Gospel Jesus compares himself to a
shepherd taking care of us, His flock.
He is quite emphatic: “My sheep
hear my voice…” Those who exercise good stewardship of their prayer lives realize
that hearing or listening is fundamental to prayer. Prayer is a personal encounter
with the Lord and requires dialogue. Some people never learn the art of
listening. When we enter into a dialogue with someone we love we speak and we
listen. Otherwise it cannot be a dialogue. This week let’s think about how we
pray. Do we do all the talking and then get up and do something else? Or do we
sit quietly, waiting for God’s voice to enter our hearts?
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