Listening, a serious business for Christ’s disciples
In today’s Gospel we hear a voice from the cloud saying:
“This is my beloved Son; listen to him”
On this transfiguration Sunday, we focus on “Listening”. Listening is a very important act of worship. Our reaction always depends on how we listen. The initial counsel of King Salomon to his people involves hearing.
“Draw near to hear…Do not rush with your mouth…Let your words be few”
(Ecclesiastes 5:1-7).
Jesus through his various parables, invites his disciples to open their ears and hearts to hear his words. He will always conclude: “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mt. 13:8-9; 41-43).
Hearing is an important act for positive actions and fruitful relationships. It is our highest responsibility in our relationship with God and one another.
Abraham, a good listener
Abraham needed faith to follow the road God showed him just as we do as Christians in order to follow Christ. For Abraham to begin his journey of faith, he needed to hear God’s voice that spoke to him saying:
“Abraham take your son, your only begotten son Isaac, whom you love and go to the land of Moriah and offer him as a burnt offering”.
Abraham demonstrates his obedience and hearing by setting on a journey to the destination of the sacrifice of his son. For Abraham to be able to spare his only son, Isaac, he needed again in spite of his troubled heart, to pay attention to the voice of the angel of God. Even in your troubles, please listen to God’s voice.
Why is it important to listen?
Among many reasons, I chose to highlight three important reasons why we should listen. First, we come to faith through listening to the word of God; second, listening is an expression of love; third, listening is our hope for a better and peaceful world.
1) Faith comes from hearing.
St. Paul in his letter to the Romans (Romans 10: 16-17) tells us that, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. This is the word that Abraham heard and left his land to follow God. This is the word that we hear and opens our hearts to faith. We receive faith and our faith is nourished by listening to the proclamation of the word, or the witnessing of other Christians’ good examples and actions. Faith is nourished by listening.
2) Listening is the best expression of love.
The best expression of love is listening. The two ears put together form a heart because those who love always listen. That is why Jesus after he has told us that we are no longer slaves but friends (John 15:15), tells us
“Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you”
(John 15:7).
3) Listening is our hope for a better world.
How many relationships and
marriages are broken today and how many families, communities and countries are at war today because they failed to listen? We have failed to listen to the voice of his beloved Son. We have failed to listen to one another in order to settle the matters. Listening is a prelude to dialogue. The new name of peace according to John Paul VI repeated by St. John Paul II, is dialogue. On this 2nd Sunday of Lent, we may say that the new name of peace is listening. People who listen will be able to dialogue. And people who dialogue will be able to achieve peace!
But why is it difficult to listen to God or to one another?
There is one word that explains this lack of attention to listening. It is the word, “obsession”. When I am so obsessed with myself that I cannot care about others anymore, then I cannot listen to them. I cannot listen to God. When I am obsessed with the actions of the day and everything I have to do, I have no time to listen to God’s voice through prayer and spiritual activities. I have no time to listen to my family or a friend. When I am obsessed with time, that is, I’m always busy and always in a hurry; I consider every minute that I spend with others, or in prayer, a waste of time. I’m obsessed with time... I may say “For me, time is gold and time is money.” So whenever I become obsessed with myself and with my actions, and my time, I have no room for listening.
Remember today’s words:
“This is my beloved Son, listen to him”
Spending time to listen to God and to one another is beyond silver, diamond, and gold.
This second Sunday of Lent invites us to listen. Listen to show your love; listen to increase your faith; listen to promote peace for the hope of the world; listen ready to give your time; listen ready to lay down your dreams and opinions, your ego and selfishness in order to rise with others, to the glory of Easter.
Mary, our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us!
Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC
Happy 2nd Sunday of Lent!