– the homily from last week is available by email
– The Scriptures for this Sunday are available at USCCB.org>>
– I am preaching at the 12:30 mass only
Hearing in action
I think hearing looks like something! Can you see what is being said?
I am captured by the second reading from the letter to the Hebrews. It is the word obedience or the concept of obedience that has captured my attention in this Lenten time. We are beginning the intensive period of penance and preparation known as the Passiontide.
The word obedience comes to us from the combination of two roots: "ob" "audiere" = to listen to. I am thinking that Jesus' obedience on the cross is "listening in the flesh". I am considering the call to "hear with my life."
It is fully possible to listen to someone and not truly hear what is being said. The concept of hearing is one that carries the response within it. Listening is possibly the intellectualizing of the words, of the concepts, understanding so to speak. But to hear what you're saying in plies that one responds appropriately according to the truth.
The theologians tell us that the cross of Jesus Christ was the end of human disobedience. We can see that Jesus' obedience was hearing the will of the Father, doing the truth in love.
I am wondering how obedient, how well I am hearing the truth of God in my life. Would I look differently if I were truly hearing what God is saying to me, calling me to in my life? Would I be more configured to the crucified Christ if I were perfect in hearing? Is there room for better hearing your life? How so?
2 comments:
I think of all those little kids who say, "Mommy/ Daddy, you're not listening!" They have it right!
This is a bit confusing for me, perhaps because I have a friend who is an audiologist. Hearing indicates function, being able to perceive noise or sound. Listening is response.
I think that's what you mean, but that's not what these words say. So reading them made me a little (more) crazy.
I am inspired by the suggestion of "listening in the flesh" and the call to "hear with my life."
I have heard and like the Latin maxim, "lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi"; essentially meaning - what we pray, says something about what we believe, which says something about how we live...or at least it should. I am reminded of it here because of the connection the Matador makes of living in a way that reflects our obedience to God - our relationship with Him - our living response to prayer with Him. And it strikes me as true, that if I "listen" perfectly, I will freely and forever give myself away.
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