In today’s first reading from 1 Samuel we can all learn a very important lesson about listening—something I believe our world in is great need of: more listening.

Listening can be difficult. We all suffer from internal distractions and external noise. We may have very strong opinions on a subject or issue, and that firmness of mind may be an obstacle to hearing a new voice—or an old, wise voice. Either way, like Samuel in today’s readings, when we listen and hear, then our life can change. It certainly did for Samuel.

Whether we are talking politics or religion or art or the Red Sox, more listening will lead us to a better understanding of what is going on right around us. Let’s look at the Christian community, especially as we begin this week (18 January) as the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. God can—and does—speak through many people and sources. And it will do us all a bit of good to listen—and discern the Word of God—no matter from whom He speaks. This certainly does not mean that we give up a firm belief or practice, nor does it mean that one who holds the truth must capitulate to popular public opinion—especially
public opinion that is not based in the Truth. But what we can do by listening is to hear God speak to us through others so that we clearly hear their concerns and understandings, and then with an open dialogue walk together to the Truth that is God. There should be nothing to fear when we are sincerely seeking the Truth, for we are seeking God and He will show Himself to us. As Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” And fear can be a very powerful, even destructive emotion.