March 13th Lenten Reflection

John 5:19–29

Jesus said to the Jews, “Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only

what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.

“Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”

“and those who hear will live”

A reflection by The Rev. Brian K. Gross

Recently I was in a sound proof chamber for a hearing test. As the doors closed and I realized the only sound I could hear was my own breathing or movements I was amazed and delighted by the quiet. That delight did not last very long though as I soon found myself becoming very uncomfortable in the silence. I discovered I was even beginning to create sound with the shuffling of my feet to break the silence. Have I become so accustomed to sound and noise that I cannot be relaxed without it? What should have been a treat would undoubtedly seemed like torture if it had the opportunity to continue for a long time. Thankfully a voice came through a speaker with instructions and I relaxed. Jesus, the good shepherd, tells us that when he calls we will know his voice. He repeats throughout the Gospels as well that those who have ears to hear should listen and hear the voice of God. And in our lesson today we hear Jesus say that those who hear his voice will live.

Today I pray this poem by Frank Carpenter that through the noise I will hear the voice of Jesus.

From the moment when I wake, the distractions buffet me.

Clamoring for my attention, they assail relentlessly.

The voices of this busy world seem to fill my ears,

Drowning out your still small voice, the only voice I long to hear.

Lord, meet me in the moment in the quiet of this place.

Help me to hear your voice alone as I rest in your embrace.

Lord, drive the other voices from the temple of my heart,

And whisper words of wisdom which your Spirit can impart.

That I would hear no other voice,

O Master, draw me near.

May I incline my heart to you,

Speak, Lord, and help me hear.