My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27
Summer is around the corner for us here in Florida. Yet, today's Gospel transports us to a winter scene in the temple where Christ was celebrating the festival of Hanukkah. Jesus was underneath Solomon's portico, protecting himself from the cold winter wind sweeping through the temple complex. Several Jewish people began to probe him about whether or not he was the Messiah. Jesus, who sensed the coldness of the air, felt the coldness in their hearts. The people who gathered around Jesus could simply not believe he was who he claimed to be. Jesus tells us that one of the reasons the crowd doesn't believe is their unwillingness to follow him. Most people are at least willing to listen to the message of Christ, but the more difficult part is to follow him or model our lives after him. We tend to prefer life on our own terms or to live by our own rules because we believe that's what will make us happy. Yet Christ is offering something greater. He is inviting us to be a part of the inner life of God. Today, Christ's command is clear we, his sheep, are called to listen to his word and follow him wherever he may take us, even if it conflicts with the plans we have dreamt up for ourselves.
What is one small way you could say "Yes" to God today that will help you grow closer to him?
Heavenly Father we ask that you help us to let go of our own vision for our life and give us the grace to instead to follow after Christ the true Shepard
Today’s Reflection is by:
Fr. Joshua Hare
