Reflect today on the mysterious ways in which God communicates to you

God communicates with you. Jesus walked in the temple area on Solomon's Porch. Then the Jews gathered around him and said to him: “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us clearly “. Jesus answered them: "I told you and you don't believe". John 10: 24-25

Why didn't these people know that Jesus was the Christ? They wanted Jesus to speak to them "clearly", but Jesus surprises them by saying that he has already answered their question but they "do not believe". This Gospel passage continues the wonderful teaching about Jesus who is the Good Shepherd. It is interesting that these people want Jesus to speak clearly whether or not he is the Christ, but instead, Jesus clearly speaks of the fact that they do not believe in Him because they are not listening. They lost what he said and were confused.

One thing this tells us is that God speaks to us in his own way, not necessarily the way we would like him to speak. Speak a mystical, deep, gentle and hidden language. It reveals its deepest mysteries only to those who have come to learn its language. But for those who don't understand God's language, confusion is felt.

If you ever find yourself confused in life, or confused about God's plan for you, then perhaps it is time to examine how carefully you listen to the way God speaks. We could plead with God, day and night, to "speak clearly" to us, but he will speak only the way he always spoke. And what is that language? At the deepest level, it is the language of infused prayer.

Prayer, of course, is different from just saying prayers. Prayer is ultimately a loving relationship with God. It is communication at the deepest level. Prayer is an act of God in our soul by which God invites us to believe in him, to follow him and to love him. This invitation is offered to us all the time, but too often we don't listen to it because we don't really pray.

Much of John's gospel, including chapter ten from which we are reading today, speaks mystically. It is not possible to simply read it as a novel and understand everything Jesus says in one reading. Jesus' teaching must be listened to in your soul, in prayer, meditated on and listened to. This approach will open the ears of your heart to the assurance of God's voice.

Reflect today on the mysterious ways in which God communicates to you. If you don't understand how he speaks, then this is a good place to start. Spend time with this gospel, meditating on it in prayer. Meditate on the words of Jesus, listening to his voice. Learn his language through silent prayer and let his holy words draw you to them.

My mysterious and hidden Lord, you speak to me day and night and continually reveal your love to me. Help me learn to listen to you so that I can grow deeply in faith and truly become Your follower in every way. Jesus I believe in you.