28 March, Tuesday — Can we open to His Word?

Tuesday of the 5^th Week of Lent

Num 21:4-9
Jn 8:21-30

As he was saying this, many came to believe in him.

I am a huge fan of good homilies. During the entrance procession, as the priest professes into the church, I tip-toe to see who the Celebrant is. Many, many times, I’ve turned to my wife and given her the ‘crash-and-burn’ look – meaning, it’s going to be a wash-out of a homily and I’m going to end up thinking about work, school or something else!

Gosh, am I judgemental or what? The priest isn’t even given a chance!!

To the people of His time and even to us, Jesus’ teachings remain mysterious, deep, and veiled. After listening to him, some became angry, yet others listened to him. The difference — Faith.

It is really all about giving Jesus a chance to speak and being open to listen to Him. With that disposition, with a heart willing to be open to God’s word; only then can we receive his message.

The weakest of orators can beautifully deliver God’s message into our hearts, but only if we allow Him to deliver that message.

Faith is a gift from God. Contrary to popular thinking, it is not a blind choice to believe, but one based on seeing. This gift is only received when we open our hearts to receive God’s message. The grace to accept Jesus as the Living Water, the Bread of Life, the I AM, the Light of the World and the Son of the Father will only make sense to us when we are open and willing to receive the gift of Faith.

Up till last weekend, I was still rolling my eyes…it is time to stop!

(Today’s OXYGEN by Gerard Francis)

Prayer: We pray for the child-like gift of Faith.

Thanksgiving: We give thanks for our gift of Faith, or at least the realisation that we desire this faith.