HEARING IS THE LAST THING TO GO

John 5:17-30

Often times is accompanying loved ones through the transition of the earthly and bodily dying process, many nurses and doctors mention that hearing may be the last sense to go, thus one should continue to talk to their loved one, expressing their love, gratitude, and even giving permission to surrender, to let go and to move forward,

I am no expert.  I don't know if this is true or not at least for the physical and bodily realities of life.  However, from a spiritual point of view, Jesus makes it pretty clear that perhaps the hearing remains long after bodily death, "Amen I say to you, the hour is coming and is here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live."

Perhaps Jesus is comparing the living who reject him as dead already.  But if I recall correctly upon the crucifix and death of Jesus according to the gospel of Matthew, "the earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised.  And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many."

 Jesus goes on to say in John 5, "Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation."

Just something to ponder.  It is never to late to hear the word of God and respond to the call of Christ, that is unless its too late.

Of course in the hebrew mindset to hear was equivalent as being obedient.  When Jesus speaks of hearing he also means following.

But the life of faith isn't about just making it or just squeezing in or beating the dead line.  The life of faith is about being empowered here and now to live differently, to live and love like Jesus.  That is a life of fulfillment.

The whole notion of death bed confession is a true reality but with something so good offered us by Jesus why delay, why wait, get on board while the getting is good.

This ties is with a few words from Pope Francis a just a few weeks ago.  "Every person's life, the life of every man and woman who has the courage to draw near tot he Lord, will discover the joy of God's celebration."

What s the word JEsus is calling out to us?  He is calling us to his Father's celebration.  We are the guest of honor.  The celebration is for us.  Now that alone should open our ears just a little wider and catch the voice of the shepherd calling us home.

Run don't walk, you might just miss the party.

HEaring may be the last thing to go.  But in the matter of faith it is the first thing necessary to experience the fullness of life and joy Jesus comes to give.