DAILY GRACE
May 5, 2020, Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Scripture: John 10:22-30
At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’ Jesus answered, ‘I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Meditation
“No one will snatch them out of my hand.”
Jesus didn’t respond to the ultimatums of those who demanded to know if he was the Messiah. They were looking for easy answers, unwilling to walk the journey of faith and surrender. Because they had already made up their minds, they could not accept it when Jesus told them his true identity: “The Father and I are one.”
God does marvels for those who listen to his voice, who follow his invitations and the movements of the Holy Spirit. Saint Paul referred to Jesus’ followers as temples of the Spirit. The more receptive we are to his presence and peace, the more we become worthy temples where God is pleased to dwell. In this time of COVID-19 —- whatever our struggles, temptations, or difficulties, God invites us into a deeper relationship with him. God knows us personally, and the more we wholeheartedly seek him, the deeper our relationship with him will grow.
Human relationships grow when persons communicate with sincerity. Similarly, our relationship with God deepens when we honestly tell God what we think and feel. We never have to be afraid of being ourselves with God, because he knows and accepts us already. God wants us to reveal ourselves to him as we are, not for his sake, but for ours. Not only will God reveal himself to us, but also according to our needs.
Jesus promises us: “No one will snatch them out of my hand.” We are secure. He, the Risen One, is alive and present to us now, in this very moment. We can begin to share the experience of his resurrection even now, not just after our death. God promises us life in eternity, but God also gives life to our spirit now, in this very moment.
Prayer
Lord, give me an open ear to listen to your word. Help me to surrender in trust to your plans for me, for I know that your providence guides and permits everything for my good. You invite me to an intimate relationship and hold me in your good hands.
Contemplation
Jesus, you know me and give me eternal life.