Daily Readings for Lent
Today's readings: March 16, 2011
First Reading: Jn 3:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: 51: 3-4, 12-13, 18-19
Gospel: Luke 11: 29-32 ;
And here's an audio file and a video of a priest offering reflections.
As I reflect on these words, I am reminded of the link between listening and humility. We all know the frustration of trying to share something important with a companion who refuses to listen. In kind, I hope you are able to see the shoes on the other foot, where I am a bad listener when I lose the humility to listen, instead of just waiting for the other person to stop talking to cut in with my own opinion on the subject.
St Thomas Aquinas shared he always tried to listen to a fellow traveler about who they were, and where they were coming from, and what circumstances they had gone through before he even tried to bring the joy of the Gospel into their lives. He was one of the most learned men in the church, and later become one of 33 doctors of the Catholic church - and he spent more time listening than speaking.
Try to catch yourself today... not listening well. Humble yourself and listen. And when you are in the right state of mind and heart, you will probably benefit from listening or reading the words of today's readings.
