Newton Basumatari csc –
Readings: Acts 11:1-18; Jn 10:1-10
We all long for security in our day-to-day living, but the question that lingers in my mind is, ‘am I secure’? Or is there someone who can protect me? From the readings of the day, we come to know that the shepherd has to protect the sheep from their enemies.
Though all the sheep may not listen to him still he has to protect them from their enemies. In the first reading, we see God who has shown his mercy to all the people. Therefore, people glorified his name saying, “then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
In the gospel reading, Jesus compared himself with the door. Today he wants me to enter his Father’s house through his door: that is to strengthen my relationship with God, which is why he has become a door for me. Often in my life, I have failed to recognize that door, who is Jesus, because of not having enough faith in him. I am controlled by earthly things which give me momentary satisfaction. Secondly, to know that Jesus is my door of life, I need to know his voice.
Today I am filled with so many voices, for instance, the voice of anger, of jealousy, of hatred and of gossip. When I am filled with these many voices, I will not be able to recognize his voice. Therefore, through these readings, I am invited to empty myself so that I can hear his voice.
Today, let my prayer be ‘Lord, help me listen to your voice in this noisy environment.’