Scripture:
Deuteronomy 18: 15-20
1 Corinthians 7: 32-35
Mark 1: 21-28
Reflection:
My reflection on today’s Scripture passages is all about "listening"; more particularly about listening with the heart. Our responsorial psalm says it best; "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts." I have fairly large ears (or so the evidence would indicate from my childhood photo with a "crew cut" and my favorite Davy Crockett sweater). However, as I have found out over the years, big ears do not necessarily equate to being a good listener.
Listening takes time, patience and attention. My life is crowded with noise. Some of the noise is within my control and some is not. Unless I make an effort I often find myself giving God and others the "leftover" time. I can do better. I should do better. Listening to God in my everyday life is an opportunity for grace and growth. If I don’t create space in my own life for the contemplative moments, then I miss out on this grace and growth.
Today’s Scriptures point me towards becoming more attentive to hearing God’s voice in my life from all directions. It might be as simple as truly listening to another’s heart veiled behind the "small talk". It might be as intentional as setting aside time for prayer when I still have energy to be present to the Spirit of God. In any case, I need to think about where I have encountered God’s voice during the day when I put my head (with its big ears) on the pillow at night. I am convinced this traditional "examination of conscience" is a solid practice if one intends to truly listen with the heart.
God wants to speak to us every day in every encounter with life. Every moment can become a sacramental moment filled with potential grace. If today we hear his voice, let us harden not our hearts!
Terry McDevitt, Ph.D. is a member of our Passionist Family who volunteers at the Passionist Assisted Living Community in Louisville, Kentucky.