THEY KNOW HIS VOICE

PRAYER PAUSE

Monday 23 April 2018

THEY KNOW HIS VOICE  

Enter into the stillness of God within.

Reading: “When he has brought out his flock, he goes ahead of them and the sheep follow because they know his voice.  They never follow a stranger but run away from him; they do not recongise the voice of strangers.” (John 10:1-10)

Reflection. Sometimes you will meet peoplwho are sincere in their desire to follow Jesus more closely.  But they think it is all up to them. They pray and they fast and go to all night vigils!  But perhaps there is one thing missing: they do not listen.  They do not hear the voice of Jesus; they only hear their own voice!  Our faith is not a “do it yourself” faith. It is a relationship; and every relationship is two way.  We are to “know his voice.”  This means we are to be deeply attentive to what the Spirit is saying to us in our hearts. It is easy to go astray here and have our own agenda for our life, our relationsips, our prayer and maybe parish activities.  But, as Geroge Bernanos puts it, “all is gift.” Everthing is given. God is the one who is “in charge” and ours is to recognise his voice. Perhaps not so easy! But essential.

Prayer. “Oh, that today you would listen to his voice!” (Ps 94 (95)). Lord, help us to learn to listen to your voice. Amen