It is 11th December 2020.
The readings are from Isaiah 48:17-19; and the Gospel from Matthew 11:16-19.
Do we listen? Our listening depends on our belief. Mostly we listen to people whom we like. When we like a priest, we begin to listen to his sermons without much difficulty. Even if he delivers a long sermon, we will not make any comments. In the same way, in our families, we love listening to the family members whom we have placed our trust.
St. Mother Theresa remarked once: “If we worry too much about ourselves, we won’t have time for others.”
Listening to God’s voice helps us to listen to the Word and the cry of the poor around. More we give importance ourselves; we tend to ignore the words of Jesus. Our personal repentance is a clear proof for our listening to the Lord.
“O that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your prosperity would have been like a river, and your success like the waves of the sea; your offspring would have been like the sand, and your descendants like its grains.” (Is.48:18). God promises all the blessings here on earth to those who listen the commandments of God. It is not enough we read, reflect, post the Word of God on social media but we need to apply them on to our life. Listening is nothing but listing them in and personalize them for our life. The people of Israel bore the consequences for not listening to the voice of the Lord.
The responsorial Psalm acclaims, “Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.” (Jn.8:12).
More we criticise the others, less we are interested in listening to them or following their counsel. When we go by the cover of the book, we might overlook the content of it. They called Jesus as glutton while they attacked John the Baptist as possessed eventually, they closed their minds to their teachings. “Yet wisdom has been proved right by her actions.” (Mt.11:19). People around us speak ill of us for being sincere, hardworking, honest and God fearing. Seeking appreciation and approval for being good from others will not help us continue doing things according to our conscience. Without true repentance we cannot listen to the Words of Jesus and the Prophet. May the Lord help us to open our hearts and heed the voice of the Lord through our elders, parents, and teachers. Have a lovely day. God bless you.