As I read the readings for today, I think about the voice of Jesus. I read the alleluia acclamation, and it says, “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Imagine that. Jesus wants to speak to me. He wants to speak to my heart.
During the Gospel, it seems that Jesus reprimands the towns and villages for ignoring the mighty deeds that He had performed in their midst. Christ was passing by. Christ was waiting to be received. And, Christ was waiting to be heard. But as the Gospel seems to conclude, they had rejected Him.
How easy it can be to miss the voice of Jesus. His voice, not my voice. Amidst the many responsibilities in my day, His voice is there. Often, I end the day having missed His voice. And my voice will say, “But where were you Jesus?”
I Was There
And He will reply, “In that student. In that lesson plan. In that parent, colleague, in that moment. And, in your heart. I was there, but you did not want me.”
When I look back at the Gospel, it is startling to hear Jesus’ words aimed at the towns of His time. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!” It is impossible to think that I could ever be like that town. That would never happen to me. And yet, if I were to look at my life closely, I would recognize that Christ has passed by many times. He has passed by and done many works. He has passed by. And I rejected Him. I said no. I did not want Him.
Today
When I return to the alleluia acclamation, it gives me hope. It gives me hope because it says, “Today.” It does not say yesterday or tomorrow. Today. “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” What if only for today, I tried to hear his voice? What if I could arise at the beginning of my day, anticipating where He will speak to me, and wait for Him there? And, what if I began my day and said, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening”? What would change?
