The prophet Daniel speaks in today's First Reading that he "heard this word of the Lord" (Daniel 12:1-3). It made me think about the times I might have felt that I heard God's Word speaking directly to me from within me and so clearly. This was easy to recall because no one could convince me otherwise about this experience.
Another similar gift was given while I was walking through the woods and saw a cardinal on one side of a divergent path. These same words returned to me from within. It seemed this red beauty was simply reiterating God's message by being on one side of the two paths in front of me: "You will know; I will show (tell) you."
We all know that God speaks to us in so many different ways; and directly, too. How can I have my radar tuned into those whisperings whether from within or from outside myself? How do I capture and celebrate those unforgettable times? Is clarity unwanted at times? When God's Word to me may seem more obscure, do I have someone in my life who can help me discern their meaning?
Today, too, Psalm 16 reminds us of the importance of openness to following God's Will in our lives through listening. Yes, "You are my inheritance, O Lord!"
Sister Frances Smalkowski, CSFN
