Reflections From the Heart – September 15, 2024

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
by Fr. Ivan Olmo

The Lord GOD opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back.” At the heart and foundation of establishing, entering into, beginning or continuing lifelong friendships and relationships that are truly genuine, and a blessing, is listening. Listening is the key to an intimate, lifelong relationship with God as well as establishing those types of relationships in our lives that are fruitful, grace-filled and eternal. Communicating, meaning being in communion with God and with others, is at the heart of being. Created in God’s image and likeness, formed in and for relationships, we seek to establish lifelong, lifesaving relationships that rely and depend on open ears that truly intend on listening and receptive hearts that are truly open to receiving. True communication happens when a person transmits a message that is helpful, not hurtful, and delivers it with a good and solid intention of willing the good of the other and when the recipient is free to respond in a loving gracious manner like God does. At the heart of this form of communication is receptive listening, listening with openness, attentiveness, and a willing spirit. Listening with the intention of avoiding those thought provoking distractions or attempting to resolve the problem in your head before listening to the message in its entirety. We tend to override and drown out the message before completed with the presumption of a greater thought or superior suggestion or perhaps a better way or a better idea. Good communication, on the other hand, relies on a person sharing a message with a good, not a malicious intention or a desire to interrupt the communication. Good communication takes place when the recipient is extremely thankful and grateful for having received the message. We, on the other hand, tend to communicate our own thoughts, rationales, and desires by force. We force our opinions, ideas and judgements on to others without first establishing relationship. We want others to know exactly what we think even if it is hurtful, underhanded or deceitful. We want, rather, we demand others to listen to us and hear how we feel about certain people and topics. We want others to know when we experienced a perceived injustice. We tend to believe we are prone and cannot help but share our lustful thoughts and desires onto any social platform or media that will “listen”. God opens our ears to hear his sweet, tender voice, our hearts to understand the response to our prayer, and our mouths to offer him thanksgiving and praise.