Anyone with kids knows there’s a big difference between hearing and listening.
One of my sons has excellent hearing. My wife and I are continually amazed at what he picks up across the room, in the car, when we’re whispering. But that does not make him our best listener.
Hearing is the first part. Listening, at least in the way I mean it, is the next: the act of receiving and obeying.
Two very different things.
At Mass, we hear the Gospel read aloud. But are we listening? Are we receiving it in a way that actually changes how we live, how we behave, how we treat people, how we make decisions on Monday morning?
We’re called to be not just hearers, but listeners. Not just hearing the word of God but living by it.
Let us pray. Lord, give us ears to truly listen. Not just to hear Your word, but to receive it, and to live by it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Keep fighting the good fight. Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.
