Those Who Close Their Ears and Those Who Listen

Prayer-Soldier

Those Who Close Their Ears and Those Who Listen

Scripture:

And Amasias said to Amos: You seer, go, flee away into the land of Juda: and eat bread there, and prophesy there. But prophesy not again any more in Bethel: because it is the king' s sanctuary, and it is the house of the kingdom. And Amos answered and said to Amasias: I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet: but I am a herdsman plucking wild figs. And the Lord took me when I followed the flock, and the Lord said to me: Go, prophesy to my people Israel.
(Amos 7:12-15)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with spiritual blessings in heavenly places, in Christ: As he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and unspotted in his sight in charity. Who has predestinated us unto the adoption of children through Jesus Christ unto himself: according to the purpose of his will:

Unto the praise of the glory of his grace, in which he has graced us in his beloved son. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the remission of sins, according to the riches of his grace, which has super abounded in us in all wisdom and prudence, that he might make known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he has purposed in him, in the dispensation of the fullness of times, to re-establish all things in Christ, that are in heaven and on earth, in him.

In whom we also are called by lot, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will. That we may be unto the praise of his glory, we who before hoped Christ: In whom you also, after you had heard the word of truth, (the gospel of your salvation;) in whom also believing, you were signed with the holy Spirit of promise, who is the pledge of our inheritance, unto the redemption of acquisition, unto the praise of his glory.
(Ephesians 1:3-14)

And he called the twelve; and began to send them two and two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. And he commanded them that they should take nothing for the way, but a staff only: no scrip, no bread, nor money in their purse, but to be shod with sandals, and that they should not put on two coats. And he said to them: Wheresoever you shall enter into an house, there abide till you depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you; going forth from thence, shake off the dust from your feet for a testimony to them. And going forth they preached that men should do penance: And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
(Mark 6:7-13)

Reflection:

If we look at the commandments of the Lord, they should not be difficult for us, and yet, we struggle. When Adam and Eve were seduced to eat the fruit of the forbidden tree, they hid themselves from the Lord. They were unable to face him in their shame. So it is when one closes their ears or attempt to interject their own logic in opposition to what God asks of us. They may not turn away in shame, but they turn away none the less.

God has sent His angels and His prophets so we might hear His Word and His warnings against wickedness, but in our weakness, so many endeavor to close their ears. Do we know the reason? Do we know the cause? If we examine His commandments, we should ask ourselves, to what do we really object, for His commandments are so we may live together with the blessings of love for our Creator as well as one another? Why might we reject the blessings of love? Why might we reject worship of God and caring for one another? Do we find love too inconvenient?

Some, so they may do as they please, send away those who speak of the ways of God; the ways of love. Somehow, they believe that if they do not hear, they will not be held accountable for what they do in opposition to His commandments. Blessed are those who hear His Word and cherish it within their hearts, for what they bring within them are the blessings of love.

Let us be thankful in that despite our failings, He sent His only begotten Son so we may receive the Word made flesh. (cf John 1:14) Through Him is our salvation. Through His teaching, we may learn of the love of God and the blessings of His grace and mercy. It is through the sacrifice of the Son by which we may be forgiven of our transgressions and cleansed of our iniquities if we believe in Him and approach Him with a contrite heart. (cf. Psalm 51:19, Isaiah 57:15, Daniel 3:39, John 3:12-21)

Though so many desire not to hear, we must endeavor to share the good news of the Lord. The Lord has sent His angels and His prophets to warn us and guide us to repentance. So too, did the Son send forth His disciples, two by two, so that they may spread the gospel of the Word. He gave them power by which to drive away demons and to care for the sick. He also sent them in testimony against those who would not receive those who spoke the truth of the Lord.

Though the times documented by scripture are in our past, the story is not yet done. Each of us lives a portion of the story of God and the children of His creation. The choices of light and dark are before us daily. Will we be among those who endeavor to close their ears, or will we eagerly seek to hear the blessings which may come only from His Word? Will we be among those who choose the cold darkness of the evil one over the warmth of the light of God? Will we choose to live according to His commandments so we may share with God and one another the blessings of love, or will we choose the ways of selfish and destructive desires?

Blessed are those who choose the ways of the Lord, for His love, grace, and mercy are boundless and will be showered upon the faithful as they enter unto His kingdom. As long as we draw breath, the choice of what our relationship with God might be remains with us. Let us, then, ask Him to lead and guide us to the blessings of His kingdom.

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways do we hide from the Word of God?

What joy do we find as we allow Jesus and the Holy Spirit to be our guide?

How might we help those who endeavor to share the blessings of the Holy Word of God?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier