Artists, through their work, try to capture and represent the experiences and messages of life. One picture that fascinated me as a child was the depiction of a man lost in thought, with the devil whispering in one ear and an Angel whispering in the other. Two voices that were competing for his attention, but the choice to whom he listens is his.
In the beginning, Adam and Eve had the voice of God to lead them to peace and life. They also had the voice of the devil to whom they listened, which caused confusion and death. Jesus spoke His good news of love and mercy to restore us when we listened to the devil and fell away from Him. His voice recreates us as we feed on Him (Jn. 6:35).
Stephen listened to the Lord and spoke the word to “stiff-necked people” (Acts 7:51). But they listened to their egos and the devil and killed Stephen (Acts 7:52-60). To whom do we listen? The voice of the Lord prompts patience, kindness, understanding and harmony. The devil’s voice yields chaos, meanness and misunderstanding. Choose your voice.
Lord Jesus, help us to choose Your voice above all others. As we listen and respond to You, may we bear the fruits of Your Holy Spirit in our lives, and give honour to Your name. Amen.
Blessings,
Fr. Howie
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