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January 31, 2019
We sometimes say we listen with one ear and let it go out the other ear. This is not real listening but mere hearing. We do this when we don’t really like to listen to what is being communicated to us. In other words, we don’t even care for the one communicating with us.
Jesus in the Gospel reading of today is challenging his listeners when he says, “Listen if you have ears!” Jesus is teaching his disciples and the people who wanted to listen to him. His teaching would sometimes make the listeners come to a dilemma whether to keep on listening or just shrug their shoulders and go. For Jesus, to listen to him is to let his words penetrate our innermost being. It means to let his words transform our hearts, our life, our whole person – to become like him. And to be like him is to let our life be seen by others in our witnessing . . . our being made in the image and likeness of God, our being brothers and sisters of Jesus.
So when others see us, they see Jesus. This is real transformation when we know how to listen to his words and live it. It is like the lamp then that has to be placed where it can give light to others. Isn’t this beautiful! We let this light of Christ invade our whole being so we can be light for others.
Are we ready to listen not only with our ears but also with our hearts? Do we care about Jesus’ way of transforming us into his likeness? How can we make our light shine in the midst of people around us?
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All Issues > Volume 35, Issue 1
<< Thursday, January 31, 2019 >> St. John Bosco
Hebrews 10:19-25
View Readings Psalm 24:1-6 Mark 4:21-25
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GOD’S WORD FOR YOU
“Is a lamp acquired to be put under a bushel basket or hidden under a bed? Is it not meant to be put on a stand?” —Mark 4:21
The above Scripture verse instantly transformed my life. While attending a retreat forty-two years ago, a friend wrote an encouraging note to me (see Heb 10:24-25) and concluded it with the above passage. I was intensely shy, attending the retreat only to gain solitude for prayer. My friend observed that God had given me spiritual gifts and a calling to share those gifts with a hurting world. The letter touched me, but it was the words of the Scripture that penetrated my timid heart (Heb 4:12). Rather than experiencing guilt and shame for gifts unused, Jesus’ words ignited my heart with the desire of putting His light on the stand for others to see and glorify Him (Mt 5:15-16). Simultaneously, His words infused me with power, giving me a new heart to love others rather than fear them.
Jesus has a Scripture passage for you as well. His Word for you is life-giving (Mt 4:4), liberating (Jn 8:31-32), and sustaining (Heb 1:3). His Word will guide (Is 30:21) and direct your paths (Ps 119:105). Read His Word and find it. Perhaps God has already led you to that special Scripture. Your lamp is lit and you have placed it on the stand. Ask God for more; give that Word to others, and still more will be given to you (Mk 4:24). God surely wants to use you as He used my friend: to sow His Word abundantly (Mk 4:14). The Scripture you sow will not return to God void, but shall achieve His purposes in this world (Is 55:11).
Prayer: Father, may Catholics increasingly hear, love, read, understand, live, and spread Your Word.
Promise: “Let us hold unswervingly to our profession which gives us hope, for He Who made the promise deserves our trust.” —Heb 10:23
Praise: St. John Bosco answered his call to lead youth to Christ. He is the patron of apprentices, school children, and juvenile delinquents.