CAN GOD SPEAK TO YOU INDIRECTLY?

“To [the crowds] He spoke only by way of parable, while He kept explaining things privately to His disciples.” –Mark 4:34

Note that in the Gospels Jesus explained the mysteries not to all, but particularly to His apostles (Mk 4:34). Today, the successors of the apostles are the Pope and the bishops (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 861-862; Acts 1:20-26). It is critical that we recognize this pattern. Jesus speaks to His Church and through His Church. If we really want to know what Jesus is saying, we must listen to the Church, for Jesus said: “If they hear you, then they are hearing Me. If they reject you, they are rejecting Me” (see Lk 10:16).

Jesus expects us to search out the meaning of His revelation both by a direct seeking of the truth of His Word personally, but also by listening to those to whom He chose to reveal a deeper meaning. Jesus revealed some truths to the apostles only and not to the world (Jn 14:22; see also Mt 13:10-11). Jesus once took to task those who would not listen to His special witnesses (Mk 16:14). He does not want us to turn away from Him due to the stubbornness of wanting to hear Him speak to us directly.

Naaman the Syrian once was upset because He wanted God’s prophet to speak to him directly, face to face (2 Kgs 5:11). God did speak His truth to Naaman, but indirectly, through a simple messenger. Naaman repented of his anger, listened to the messenger, obeyed the message, and received healing and truth. Will you listen to God if He speaks to you through others?

PRAYER: Father, give me “ears open to obedience” to hear Your message (Ps 40:7).
PROMISE: “You need patience to do God’s will and receive what He has promised.” –Heb 10:36
PRAISE: St. Angela Merici founded the Ursuline religious order, which focuses primarily on the education and Christian formation of girls. She was canonized by Pope Pius VII in 1807.