Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest
Take care, then, how you hear. (Luke 8:18)
Have you ever heard of “active listening”? Active listening is a strategy involving a variety of techniques that help the listener eliminate all internal and external distractions and fully focus on the speaker. Proponents of active listening suggest that you face the speaker, lean in toward him or her, make eye contact, and try to ignore everything else around you. They also suggest refraining from talking back to the speaker; just put your whole focus on listening and getting a sense of the thoughts and feelings the speaker is trying to convey.
When Jesus calls us in today’s reading to consider carefully how we listen, it sounds as if he too is encouraging active listening. He even follows these words with an example that we might miss—if we aren’t listening actively enough! “To anyone who has, more will be given” (Luke 8:18).
Jesus makes it clear that the spiritually rich will get richer, while the spiritually poor will remain in their poverty. It sounds a lot like the parable of the talents, doesn’t it? The one who hears from God and shares what he hears with others will be able to hear God’s voice much more clearly. The one who doesn’t take the time to listen will have nothing to share.
So how do we know what God is saying to us? Through active listening. The Holy Spirit is speaking to us all day long. He is like a dove perched on our shoulder, and we have to be careful how we walk lest he fly away. When we are careful to make sure he is with us, we will sense his thoughts, his words, and his promptings.
Receiving the Eucharist. Meditating on Scripture. Listening closely to a friend, a family member, or even a new acquaintance. Paying attention to our consciences. Carefully observing situations at home and at work that may need our attention. These are all ways we can hear the Spirit’s still, small voice. The more active, alert, and attentive we are, the more we’ll hear. And the more we hear, the more we’ll have. And the more we have, the more we’ll be able to give away.
“Lord, help me grow in my ability to listen and act on your word. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for me!”
Ezra 1:1-6; Psalm 126:1-6
Daily Marriage Tip for September 23, 2013:
(Reader’s Tip) It’s easy to go about our daily life without really connecting. I make a point of sitting next to my spouse and holding hands to reconnect.