The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem.
It was winter.
And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon.
So the Jews gathered around him and said to him,
“How long are you going to keep us in suspense?
If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe.
The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me.
But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep.
My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.
The Father and I are one.”
Lectio (Reading)
Read the passage twice and get a sense of what it is saying. Pay attention to what strikes you.Meditatio (Reflecting)
Slowly read the passage again, pausing on words or phrases that stands out. Take time to consider the meaning. particularly in your life.I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep.
Oratio (Responding)
Read the passage again, slowly. Consider how God has spoken to you and respond back to Him. You may want to consider how this passage is asking you to act differently.This is a devastating line to hear from the Lord. To be told you are not one of His sheep is probably the worst thing that God could ever tell you. It is like when He said “get away you evil doer I never knew you.” Jesus does not pull any punches, you must follow him to be one of His sheep. But the amazing thing is that when you begin to follow Him, you will begin to recognize His voice, and He becomes more familiar to you than any other voice, and following becomes easier.
Help me lord to hear your voice to follow you. To choose good and resist evil. But more than that, please help me to guide my family to you as well. Many are totally lost, because they do not know your voice yet, but I know that they really need you. I don’t know what to do to help them find their way, please help me Lord to help me. They don’t follow me, and I can only assume that it is because I am not following you properly. Help me to be a better role model that shows them the way to you.
Contemplatio (Contemplating)
Take time to simply remain in the presence of God.Resolutio (Resolving)
Make a resolution that will improve your life, your relationships, or your faith. Make it small and attainable, and do it.Please help me lord to follow you better, so that my kids will follow you too.