The Voice of Jesus

Dear Friend,

In a recent conversation about our lives as friars, I was struck by the comment of one participant who observed that Acts of the Apostles is still being written. He was referring, of course, to the New Testament text that tells the story of the early church and the experience of Paul. It is considered to be the second volume of Luke’s Gospel, and it’s really the story of the Holy Spirit.  

The great scholar of the Hebrew scriptures, Ellen Davis, would certainly agree. In her advice to preachers, she points out that while the biblical story as recounted in the scriptures is complete, it is not yet finished; that is, it is still being retold and enacted and commented upon, as it must be, as long as the church awaits the consummation of history (p. 246, Preaching the Luminous Word).

The readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time this weekend will highlight this fact with their emphasis on the themes of prophecy and authority. The voice of Jesus, as the fulfillment of prophecy and as the one who “speaks with authority” is the basis for the on-going call, conversion, and shaping of the Church, which is our story.

Our parish is so filled with stories of faith, testimonies to the work of the Spirit, the presence of Jesus, and the creative power of the Father. It has been one of the great rewards to me as Pastor to hear these stories. The questions that emerge for me are: Amidst the anxieties Paul writes about, How do I keep attuned to the voice of the Lord? In line with the Psalmist, How do I soften my heart to stay open to that voice of love and life? These questions stay with me. 

Gratefully, 

Fr. Dan ofm, Pastor