The WORD today reminds me that some people probably do not want to be included in God's flock.
We have friends who never seem to learn. We have been with them in a lot of challenges in their lives, yet they sometimes seem to be making the same mistakes over and over. When people step forward to help them or remind them of what could happen based on previous experiences, they brush them away. They reject. And when things happen, them seem to understand, until the next challenge comes along, and they repeat their mistakes. Something similar happens to our faith life as well. We have friends who we try so hard to guide in the right direction, but they seem to reject God. We can get frustrated, and even question ourselves. Today, we are reminded that they just might be the problem.
Some people do not want to be included in God's flock.
No matter how hard we try. No matter what we do. We cannot get through to these people.
In the gospel, Jesus said that if you do not believe, if you do not hear his voice, probably you are not part of his sheep. Probably he is not God in your life.
God’s love is for all, both jews and gentiles. He is not exclusive. Being in among his sheep is not a privilege given to a select few. In fact, we see in the first reading how the disciples proclaimed him to all nations. God welcomes all, but the decision to be among God’s sheep is ours.
IF we do not listen to God’s voice. If we do not hear it. If we do not believe his words and his promises. If we do not believe that he has great plans for us, and instead do things our way. If we do not trust in Him and depend on other people and ourselves, then we are deliberately choosing to be out of his fold. We are choosing to be away from him.
Who is God in my life? Do I give him due importance? Does my life reflect this? How else can I give God more importance? What is he reminding me today?
God wants all of us to be with him, but the decision to be with him rests on us. May we choose wisely.
Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another chance to love and serve you. Thank you for another reminder. Thank you for being welcoming and loving. Thank you for your promises. Sorry for the times I run away from you. Sorry for denying you. Sorry for being away from you. Lord, I ask that you help me be more aware of you in my life. May I be sensitive to listen to your voice in my life. Help me choose you always. And I also ask you to help me do my best in bringing you to other people. And remind me that the effectiveness of my service does not depend on others. Amen.
Blessed Day!
In Christ,
-g-
Ps
See related reflection:
April 27, 2021
4th Week of Easter - Tuesday; St. Gianna Beretta Molla
FIRST READING
Those who had been scattered by the persecution that arose because of Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but Jews. There were some Cypriots and Cyrenians among them, however, who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
R. All you nations, praise the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
His foundation upon the holy mountains the LORD loves: The gates of Zion, more than any dwelling of Jacob. Glorious things are said of you, O city of God!
R. All you nations, praise the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I tell of Egypt and Babylon among those who know the LORD; Of Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia: “This man was born there.” And of Zion they shall say: “One and all were born in her; And he who has established her is the Most High LORD.”
R. All you nations, praise the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled: “This man was born there.” And all shall sing, in their festive dance: “My home is within you.”
R. All you nations, praise the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. 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. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
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