ATTENTIVE TO JESUS ~ CookingFood.Org

“GENEROUS LENT 2017”

Lenten Reflections

Saturday, 1^st April 2017,

Fourth Week of Lent

Jer 11: 18-20;

Ps 7: 2-3, 9-12;

Jn 7: 40-53.

ATTENTIVE TO JESUS

It was very difficult to be indifferent when confronted with the message of Jesus. It caused division among many who heard it. Some believed he was a prophet, some that he was the Messiah and some were convinced he was neither. The reaction of the officers was bewildered amazement. They went to arrest him and returned empty-handed because they never heard anyone speak as he did. The reaction of the chief priests and Pharisees was contempt. The reaction of Nicodemus was one of timidity. His heart told him to defend Jesus, but his head persuaded him not to take the risk.

When Jesus taught, there was something communicated beyond His words. His words were powerful and transforming, but it was also the way in which He spoke. It was hard to explain but it’s clear that, when He spoke, He also communicated a power, a calm, a conviction, and a presence. He communicated His Divine Presence and it was unmistakable. People just knew this man Jesus was different than all the rest and they hung on His every word.

God still communicates to us this way. Jesus still speaks to us. We simply need to be attentive to it. We should strive to be attentive to the ways that God speaks in a clear and convincing way, with authority, clarity and conviction. It may be something someone says, or it may be an action of another that touches us. It may be a book we read, or a sermon we listen to. Whatever the case may be, we should pay attention for it is there we will find Jesus Himself. Tune into the way God is trying to communicate and pay no attention to the ridicule and criticism you may experience when you do seek to follow His Voice. His Voice must win out and draw you in so that you can savor everything He wishes to say.

Prayer: Lord, may I be attentive to Your unmistakable Voice and to the authority with which You speak. And as I listen to You, dear Lord, give me the courage to respond with faith regardless of the reaction of others. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen