A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
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.”
Jesus teaches the people gathered around him in the temple area. Addressing those who do not believe that he is the Christ, he emphasizes his unity with the Father, telling them, “The Father and I are one.” Although Jesus tells them that he is the Son of God and that those who believe and follow him have eternal life, they insist that he tell them plainly whether he is the Christ. Standing before them is God’s own Son, yet they fail to see what is in plain sight. What are the challenges I will face today in hearing and following the voice of Christ?
God, help me hear your voice today. Your ways, Lord, are hidden in mystery but are perceivable to ears that are open and a heart that longs to hear you. Long ago, in Jerusalem during winter, your Son walked around the temple area. Thinking about him that way makes him seem far away and out of touch with the present. Yet, your risen Son is alive today and accessible through your mercy in the sacraments of the Church, through the scriptures, and in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Grant me understanding, Lord, to know that it was through the death and resurrection of your Son the he placed me in your hands to receive the gift of eternal life.
Remain in me today, God, whether in times of quiet or commotion. Remind me I am in your hands. Saint Athanasius, pray for us!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.