SAINT ANSELM, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes.

Jesus wanted Nicodemus to understand what it meant to be “born from above” (John 3:7).   But Nicodemus didn’t understand, and Jesus knew it.   Yet he didn’t give up on him.   Rather, Jesus gently tried to draw Nicodemus closer to the truth by using the analogy of the wind—something Nicodemus could grasp.

Isn’t it amazing how good and patient God is with us?   Our lack of understanding, our tendency to get confused or to not listen closely doesn’t deter or hinder him.   Just look at the story of our salvation.   God spoke through his prophets to convince the Israelites that following his ways would bring blessing and life.   They would understand for a time, only to fall again.

But he didn’t give up on them. In “the fullness of time,” he spoke through his Word, Jesus (Galatians 4:4).   Then Jesus himself spoke to us in the words we read in the Gospels.   Using parables, references to Old Testament passages, or analogies as he did with Nicodemus, Jesus showed us how much God loves us and longs to be with us forever.

God is still patient with us.   He still finds many different ways to speak to us so that we will understand.   For example, when feelings of peace or hope or expectancy well up as you ponder Scripture, that is God speaking to you.   When creative ideas or resolutions to issues you are dealing with come to mind while you sit in prayer, that is God speaking to you.   When you are filled with wonder and praise for the Lord as you watch a glorious sunset, that is God speaking to you.   He could even speak to you in a dream or through a beautiful piece of art or music.

The important thing is to expect that God will speak to you.   You will learn to recognize his voice as you spend time carefully listening to him.   Sometimes his voice is loud or booming, but so often it’s gentle, simple, and quiet.   God is good and patient, and he will keep speaking until you understand what he is saying.

“Father, I believe you are always speaking.   Help me to hear your voice today.”

Acts 4:32-37
Psalm 93:1-2, 5