[ Today's Readings ]
Whoever listens to you listens to me.
Whoever rejects you rejects me.
And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.
We need to become good listeners. On a human level this means being able to understand and restate what we hear. But on a spiritual level we must go deeper. We must learn to listen with our hearts so as to hear what the LORD is saying. Many people know the scriptures without believing in them. And they in turn often open themselves up to trust in superstitions which are not worthy of their trust. We can't be like that. We have to hear the words of Jesus for what they are.
And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers (see First Thessalonians 2:13).
Jesus speaks words that are categorically different from all other words. His words are not just true. They are powerful. Belief in them has consequences and so does unbelief. In a world where what is true is so contentious his is the voice we need to trust. We shouldn't just open our minds to everything or who knows what'll get in. Instead we should open our minds first to Jesus and let him lead us into all truth by his Spirit.
We have much pretense about our ability to understand things apart from God. Reason can indeed attain to scientific truths without the help of faith. But when there is truly no reference to God who created all of the objects of science we quickly become lost. Let us learn from Job humility. Let us realize with him that however much we know God knows still more. We must not use our knowledge to justify ourselves to the LORD. We must use the knowledge we are given to serve him.
Behold, I am of little account; what can I answer you?
I put my hand over my mouth.
Though I have spoken once, I will not do so again;
though twice, I will do so no more.
This all begins with listening correctly. When we do we realize we are stewards of the truth rather than its creators. When we realize that God can guide us along the everlasting way.
Truly you have formed my inmost being;
you knit me in my mother’s womb.
I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made;
wonderful are your works.
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