Today’s readings echo one theme: the Voice of God. We know that the Holy Trinity is a mystery that we are unable to fully comprehend. It is 3 persons who are one God. Even though it is a mystery, we still try to under- stand it in our human way. We use images to depict the Holy Spirit as a dove, and God as a father.
The scriptures say that God has put his words into Jesus’ mouth (Jn 12:49). Every word that Jesus spoke, came directly from our Abba Father. Jesus’ words carry power: bringing healing and restoration to those who listen to him.

Beautifully tying in, today’s Responsorial Psalm is a reminder for us to be open to the voice of God. When we hear it, are we prudent enough to carry out the word of God in our lives? Or do we make choices deliberately in contradiction to the word of God because it does not line up with our personal agendas? The more we keep habitually making these choices, over time our hearts get so hardened that we do not even realize it anymore.

In todays’ second reading, St. Paul implores us to adhere to the Lord’s voice without distraction. How often do we do this? How many times in a day do we choose God’s way, focus on the things of God and spend time with the creator of the universe?

In today’s Gospel proclamation, Jesus’ power and authority are evident in two ways. Firstly, Jesus teaches the people with authority. When Jesus spoke, he spoke like no other. The scribes spoke with the knowledge obtained from writings, but Jesus spoke as one who witnessed. The Word that God put into Jesus’ mouth came with authority, because he had divine power.

Secondly, Jesus shows his authority over unclean spirits as we read that even the evil spirits recognized the voice of God. In driving out the evil spirit, Jesus shows that in God’s kingdom there is no room for oppressive evil forces that weigh down on God’s children. Jesus’ authority is empowering and liberating, it is not oppressive like that of the evil spirits. No one has ever spoken or will ever speak like Jesus did.

At times, we may have been brought to our knees by urges and forces that are too strong for us. During those times, we need to turn to the power above, which is Jesus. We need to draw close to him through his teachings to overcome the powers of darkness in our lives.

Abba Father, grant me the grace to hear and respond to your voice. Amen.