PrayerGraphics.com
“If today you hear his
voice, harden not your hearts.” Ps. 95:7-8
Today’s readings
begin with the Lord’s promise to Israel that He will speak to them through
appointed prophets, because the awesome presence of God left them trembling in
fear. God will raise up men like themselves as prophets to speak His word to
them. These prophets are given God’s authority and will bear a fearsome
responsibility to proclaim only what God commands. If this authority is abused
or falsely claimed, the prophet will face God’s wrath. Tremendous
responsibility rests with the one given such great authority. But God warns the
people that they also bear responsibility to listen to the prophets, saying, “Whoever
will not listen to my words which he speaks in my name, I myself will make him
answer for it” (Dt. 18:19).
In the Gospel
reading, we hear about Jesus speaking in a new and authoritative way, which
astonishes all those who hear Him. Even the demons know and fear Him, for Jesus
has come as God made man, to cast out all evil. This is a new teaching with
authority, and even the unclean spirits obey Him.
We, as
Christians, are given an even greater source of authority than the prophets,
and so we bear an even greater responsibility. In times past, “God spoke in
partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets,” but in these
last days, God has spoken to us through Jesus Christ, His Son (cf Hebrews
1:1-2).
Jesus, in turn, bestowed
the great gift of His teaching authority on His Church, and His own voice is
heard in Sacred Scripture. By faithfully listening to these sources of authority,
we hear the voice and commandments of God. Through the teaching of the Magisterium,
the touch of God in the Sacraments, the Word of God in Scripture, and our
faithful response in prayer, study, and discernment, we are guided by the
loving God who gave His only Son to save us.
Let us not neglect to fulfill our part: to
come into the presence of God with hearts open to love and ears open to listen
to the voice of God, calling to you, His Beloved.
Comments
Post a Comment