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.”
John 10:24–25
Why is it that these people did not know that Jesus was the Christ?
They wanted Jesus to speak “plainly” to them, but Jesus surprises
them by saying that He already answered their question but they “do
not believe.” This Gospel passage continues the beautiful teaching
about Jesus being the Good Shepherd. It’s interesting that these
people want Jesus to speak plainly about whether or not He is the
Christ, but instead, Jesus speaks plainly about the fact that they
do not believe in Him because they are not listening. They have
missed what He has said and are left in confusion.
One thing this tells us is that God speaks to us in His own way,
not necessarily in the way we would like Him to speak. He speaks a
mystical, profound, gentle and hidden language. He reveals His
deepest mysteries only to those who have come to learn His
language. But to those who do not understand God’s language,
confusion sets in.
If you ever find yourself confused in life, or confused about the
plan God has for you, then perhaps it’s time to examine how
carefully you listen to the way God speaks. We could beg God, day
and night, to “speak plainly” to us, but He will only speak in the
way He has always spoken. And what is that language? On the deepest
level, it’s the language of infused prayer.
Prayer, of course, is different than only saying prayers. Prayer is
ultimately a relationship of love with God. It’s a communication on
the deepest level. Prayer is an act of God within our soul by which
God invites us to believe in Him, to follow Him, and to love Him.
This invitation is continually offered to us, but too often we fail
to hear it because we fail to truly pray.
Much of John’s Gospel, including Chapter Ten from which we are
reading today, speaks in a mystical way. It’s not possible to
simply read it like a novel and comprehend all that Jesus says with
one read. Jesus’ teaching must be heard in your soul, prayerfully,
pondered, and heard. This approach will open the ears of your heart
to the certitude of the voice of God.
Reflect, today, upon the mysterious ways in which God communicates
to you. If you do not understand how He speaks, then that is a good
starting point. Spend time with this Gospel, prayerfully pondering
it. Meditate upon Jesus’ words, listening for His voice. Learn His
language through silent prayer and allow His holy words to draw you
to Himself.
My mysterious and hidden Lord, You speak to me day and night and
continually reveal Your love to me. Help me to learn to listen to
You so that I may grow deep in faith and may truly become Your
follower in every way. Jesus, I trust in You.
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Featured images above: Jesus Walks in the Portico of Solomon By
James Tissot, via Wikimedia Commons
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