said to him, “How long will you keep us in doubt? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered, “I have already told you, but you do not believe. The works I do in
my Father’s name proclaim who I am, but you don’t believe because, as I said, you are
not my sheep.
My sheep hear my voice and I know them; they follow me and I give them eternal life.
They shall never perish, and no one will ever steal them from me. What my Father has
given me, is greater than all things else. To snatch it out of the Father’s hand, no one is
able! I and the Father are one.
Reflect
Seeing is believing. Or should the saying be that believing is seeing? Both of the
readings today speak about the signs of God’s favor and the works done in the
Father’s name. Seeing these wondrous signs can inspire and confirm our faith.
However, the converse is true as well. When we look at the world through the
eyes of faith, we are able to see the presence of God more clearly.
Every day, so many things compete for our attention. Our family and friends have
needs. We have job responsibilities and chores that need to be done. We have
obligations to neighborhood, community, and religious organizations. On many
days, our to-do list seems to require more than twenty-four hours. With so much
distraction, it can be hard to notice God’s presence.
But Jesus reminds us that we need to make time for quiet listening for the
shepherd’s voice. As we attune our senses to look for the signs of God’s presence
and listen to his voice, it becomes easier to see and hear him. The more we look
with eyes of faith, the more we will see God’s presence.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023