On Hearing and Doing God's Word

Reflection on the 4th Sunday of Easter (April 25, 2010)
(Readings from Acts 13:14,43-52; Ps 100:1-2,3,5; Rev 7:9,14b-17; Jn 10:27-30)

In the first reading, Paul & Barnabas went to synagogue in Antioch in Pisidia (in modern day Turkey). This was at the time when the early Christians were still welcome in the synagogue, where the assembly of believers prayed and where the Word of God was preached. In the narrative, we read about Paul and Barnabas not only being able to take their seats in the synagogue, but being able to speak to the Jews and worshipers about remaining faithful to the grace of God. Their preaching was so well received that on the following Sabbath, a large crowd from the city gathered to listen to them. This sight aroused jealousy among some Jews, who contradicted and abused the apostles and incited leading men and women of the city to persecute them and expel them from the city.

Now, recall the place where these key events happened. The synagogue- a place of prayer and the preaching of the word of God became the place of division, where Jews who rejected Christ separated themselves from Jewish Christians and Gentile believers. This reminds us of the conflict and division that we see engulfing many Christian communities. We can’t help but ask the question, why, Lord? How can it happen to people who all call you Lord, a people You planted in a common spiritual home? Why can’t we seem to live up to the salvation that you won for us? How can we who are so broken be instruments of salvation to others?

There were two types of “hearers” to Paul & Barnabas’ preaching of the Word: the Jews, who refused to listen, to take to heart what they heard; and the Gentiles, who in their thirst for the light, accepted the Word preached to them with delight. Those who were destined for eternal life received the Word with open heart, and came to believe. Through them, the Word of God spread throughout all regions, and they themselves became, like Paul and Barnabas, instruments of salvation. Those who rejected the Word, gave vent to their resentment and anger, and by rejecting and persecuting the two apostles, inadvertently helped pave the way to their most fruitful mission to the Gentiles.

This narrative from Acts and the Lord’s words in the gospel point to the key spiritual qualities of those who fruitfully serve the Lord’s plan of salvation: hearers, followers and doers of the Word.

Let us now turn to the gospel for the core message from the readings: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” God-seekers are open to the Spirit, who speaks the Lord’s words and conveys His life to us. Our quest for God finds satisfaction the moment we hear His voice and follow Him. Hearing and following bring us to profound intimacy with God, and in it we find the greatest treasure of all- knowledge of God, union with Him. Possessed by the Lord in His hands, we become part of His work to bring salvation to all, so that all who believe may belong to God.

(Note: first posted on March 3- moved to the month of April to coincide with the April 25th Mass readings)