Daily Retreat 04/15/08
2008 Apr 15 Tue: Easter Weekday
Acts 11: 19-26/ Ps 86(87): 1b-3. 4-5. 6-7/ Jn 10: 22-30
From today’s readings: “It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.... Glorious things are said of you, O city of God.... I told you and you do not believe.”
Never Enough
Particularly in the 4th Gospel, there are a number of times recorded when the crowd asked Jesus for clarification or proof, but even when He gave more than was asked, it still wasn’t enough for some people. Rather than looking for reasons to believe in Jesus, such people were plainly searching desperately for reasons not to believe in Him. So, regardless of what He would do or say, they would find some excuse to dismiss Him.
Every Christian has had some experience of the transforming presence of Jesus. When you and I take the time to consider the history of these experiences, we can easily be overwhelmed in coming to realize just how much God has done for us. On the other hand, we’re not immune to temptation, so if we start listening to the Devil’s suggestions, we too could end up imagining something inadequate on the Lord’s part in our life.
In moments of greatest temptation of whatever sort, it’s essential to remember Christ’s assertion, “My sheep hear My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of My hand.” Temptation cannot take us away from Jesus, unless we give in to it. For, even in the midst of temptation, if a person just prays and listens, the voice of Jesus can always be heard, directing us to the safe embrace of our Good Shepherd!
Acts 11: 19-26/ Ps 86(87): 1b-3. 4-5. 6-7/ Jn 10: 22-30
From today’s readings: “It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.... Glorious things are said of you, O city of God.... I told you and you do not believe.”
Never Enough
Particularly in the 4th Gospel, there are a number of times recorded when the crowd asked Jesus for clarification or proof, but even when He gave more than was asked, it still wasn’t enough for some people. Rather than looking for reasons to believe in Jesus, such people were plainly searching desperately for reasons not to believe in Him. So, regardless of what He would do or say, they would find some excuse to dismiss Him.
Every Christian has had some experience of the transforming presence of Jesus. When you and I take the time to consider the history of these experiences, we can easily be overwhelmed in coming to realize just how much God has done for us. On the other hand, we’re not immune to temptation, so if we start listening to the Devil’s suggestions, we too could end up imagining something inadequate on the Lord’s part in our life.
In moments of greatest temptation of whatever sort, it’s essential to remember Christ’s assertion, “My sheep hear My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of My hand.” Temptation cannot take us away from Jesus, unless we give in to it. For, even in the midst of temptation, if a person just prays and listens, the voice of Jesus can always be heard, directing us to the safe embrace of our Good Shepherd!
posted by FrPitstick | 4/14/2008
<< Home