It was the feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem; (23) it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. (24) So the Jews gathered round him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." (25) Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness to me; (26) but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. (27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; (28) and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. (29) My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. (30) I and the Father are one."



* Meditation by Pat Callone

“So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, ‘How long are you going to keep us in suspense?  If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’
Jesus answered them, ‘I told you and you do not believe me.  The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me . . .”

We can imagine this important conversation taking place on the Portico of Solomon.  Jesus is speaking honestly to the Jews about his relationship with the Father (“The Father and I are one”) and his relationship with us. (“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”)

Reflection:

What a “mystery” it was then . . . and what a “mystery” it remains today.  It’s clear and yet not so clear.  So what is John telling us in this Gospel?

Message:

I hear this message:
-- Follow Jesus in the Gospels and you will be doing the will of the Father.  Whatever he teaches, you live and teach.  Whatever his values are, make them your own.
-- Daily do the will of the Father as you best understand it in your life.
Action:
-- Pray and live the prayer that Jesus taught us in relationship with the Father: “Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”
-- Ask for the Father’s blessing:  “Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass us.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, in the name of your beloved son, Jesus, guide our footsteps today.  Help us do your will and keep us on the right path.  Amen.

Another thought I found on the internet today:  “Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet.”  (Anonymous)
 


S upplementary Reading
Disconnected by Distractions?

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. – Psalm 37:7

Mother Teresa maintained that distractions are the single most-interfering disconnection between God and you. Can you think of anything that distracts you from spending time with God? Of course! All of us can! There’s nothing more frustrating than sitting down with your Bible, beginning to read or pray only to be broadsided by a passel of distractions.

That's why some people write their prayers in a prayer journal. The act of writing your prayers helps you stay focused. If you are easily distracted, keep a pad of paper and a pencil handy so when things you need to do pop into your mind, you can write them down to tackle later and resume your time with God. Tackle the distractions so you can clear the path to connect with God. It's worth it!

* * *

What are the things that most often distract you from spending time with God? Come up with a list of ways to eliminate the distractions and begin implementing them today.