First Reading - 1 Kings 19:4-8
Second Reading - Ephesians 4:30-5:2
Gospel - John 6:41-51
We’ve all
encountered stories of people who, driven by a deep sense of purpose, have
chosen to leave behind everything familiar and secure to follow the will of
God. These aren’t just tales of priests or nuns, but also of ordinary men and
women who felt a powerful call within them. But what compels someone to make
such a drastic choice? It’s the irresistible pull of God’s love and
purpose—what we might call divine attraction. The readings of the day invite us
to respond to this divine attraction, guiding us to remain true disciples of
Jesus.
When we think
about attraction in our everyday lives, it’s easy to see how it shapes our
decisions and actions. We are naturally drawn to things that captivate our
hearts—whether it’s material possessions, personal achievements, relationships,
or even our careers. But the readings today challenge us to reflect on what
truly attracts us most in life. Is it these worldly things, or is it something
deeper, something eternal?
In the Gospel,
Jesus speaks to us about the profound process of coming closer to Him. He
outlines four crucial steps that define our journey of discipleship: first, God
the Father draws us to Himself. This initial attraction is not something we can
manufacture on our own; it’s a divine invitation that touches the core of our
being. Then, God teaches us, offering us wisdom and understanding through His
word and through the teachings of the Church. But it doesn’t stop there—Jesus
emphasizes the importance of listening. To truly hear God’s voice amidst the
noise of the world, we must quiet our hearts and minds, making room for His
presence. Finally, we are called to learn from Him, allowing His teachings to
shape our lives and guide our actions.
This process is
not a one-time event; it’s a continuous journey that requires commitment and
openness. It’s a path that Elijah, the great prophet from the first reading,
knew well. In the face of adversity and uncertainty, Elijah allowed himself to
be led by God. He is a powerful example of a disciple who, despite the
challenges, trusted in God’s plan and remained faithful to His guidance.
Saint Paul, in
the second reading, urges us to reflect on the visible signs of our closeness
to Jesus. He points out that our relationship with Christ should be evident in
the way we live and interact with others. If we are truly close to Jesus, this
should naturally express itself in our actions—through kindness, forgiveness,
and mercy. But this transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a lifelong
journey of growing into the likeness of Christ, step by step, day by day.
Dear brothers
and sisters, the Lord is constantly drawing us to Himself, inviting us to
deepen our discipleship. But the question we must ask ourselves is: Are we
ready to respond? God’s attraction is subtle, often manifesting in the simple,
everyday moments of life—like a quiet nudge to help someone in need, the urge
to pray, or the call to forgive. These are the moments when God’s voice is most
clear, urging us to align our lives more closely with His will.
It’s important to recognize that God’s invitation is not a command. He doesn’t force us into submission; instead, He gently invites us to come closer, to listen, and to learn from Him. Yet, within this gentle invitation, there is a persistent call to transformation. When we feel a sense of guilt or discomfort about our actions or decisions, it’s often a sign that God is asking us to re-evaluate our path. This feeling of guilt is not meant to condemn us, but to guide us back towards Him, helping us to realign our lives with His divine purpose.
As we continue
our journey of faith, let us pray that we may always be attentive to the ways
in which God is drawing us closer to Him. May we have the courage to respond to
His divine attraction, allowing it to shape our lives and lead us ever closer
to true discipleship in Jesus Christ. And may we, through prayer, reflection,
and the support of our community, grow in our ability to hear God’s voice and
follow where He leads.
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