“The more faithfully you listen to the voice within you, the better you hear what is sounding outside of you.”

God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer. - Mother Teresa: (1910 – 1997: Founded the Missionaries of Charity)

Gospel text: (MK 1:29-39)

On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn,
he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you."
He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come."
So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons
throughout the whole of Galilee.

In the Gospel reading from St. Mark, we see Jesus as a contemplative in action. Jesus performs wondrous acts such as curing the sick with various diseases and driving out demons. We then see the importance of actively seeking out time for reflection and prayer as Jesus goes to a deserted place to pray.

Today’s reading underscores the importance of listening. Our lives are full of endless chatter; be that from the TV, radio, our phones, you name it – it seems we are either being bombarded with noise or actively seeking it out, some would say like an addiction, which drowns out our own thoughts and opportunities for meaningful reflection. Our reading reminds us that we need to not only listen, but then to be open to what we hear, especially from God.

As we open ourselves to the word of God be comforted by Him accompanying us through good times and bad. But, remember, it all begins with listening.