“O that today you would listen 

to his voice”

Three of the main readings this week concern the ideas of speaking, hearing and listening.  The prophet Ezekiel is told by God, “Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.”  Ezekiel is called to listen and to act and to speak.  But what was the experience of the prophets in general?  So often they spoke the word of God, but the people paid no notice.

In the psalm we had the response, “O that today you would listen to his voice!”  And in the Gospel reading Jesus says, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault…If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”

People often comment that despite all the advances in technology that should make communication easier, we actually live in an age where the breakdown of communication is rife.  Many of us spend too much time on our phones, tablets, laptops and other devices that take us away from real contact and communication with people.

Though our relationships with each other are crucial in our lives, the most important aspect of today’s readings is what they have to say about our relationship with God.  God wishes to speak to us.  He wishes us to listen.  Is it possible that in our busy lives, we block him out or simply don’t give him the time of day?

Likewise, God wishes us to speak to him in prayer.  If we are honest, we can often find time against all the odds to get to a football match, or concert or social event, but may not make the same effort with prayer.  Prayer is our lifeline.  “O that today you would listen to his voice.  Harden not your hearts.”  

God bless,  Fr Kevin.