Fourth Easter

John 10: 27 – 28

Jesus went on, “You don’t believe because you’re not my sheep. My sheep recognise my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life … No one can steal them from out of my hand.”

A friend was talking about a time she was sorely tempted toward revenge. A person a work had hurt her and now it was in her power to turn the tables. She found out something about this co-worker that would have deeply embarrassed the woman, and my friend savoured the possibility of spreading the news.

Then she heard her grandmother’s voice. Her grandmother had been her spiritual hero, and even though the elderly woman had died years ago, my friend often heard her words echoing in her heart. Today she heard, “Revenge spills on everyone – including the one who dishes it out.” It made her pause, and she reconsidered. Reluctantly she came to the conclusion that the right thing to do was to just keep quiet and let this chance for sweet revenge pass by.

We all hear voices in our heads. Some people call it the “committee.” And we’re influenced by the voices we hear. Parents hope their children will hear parental voices in their consciences loud and clear when they’re tempted to take crazy chances or stray from the right path. Jesus says, “My sheep recognise my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” With all the noise going on in the world it can take consistent effort to hear the voice of Jesus. Why not begin your morning with this prayer: “Jesus, help me to hear your voice.” And then just sit and listen.