The Gospel offers us a profound reflection on the greatest commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). This passage guides us in our relationship with God and others and invites us to reflect on the importance of listening.
Listening to God
God, in His infinite wisdom, has given us two ears and one mouth, reminding us of the importance of listening more and speaking less. Listening to God is essential to fully living the first commandment. Prayer and meditation allow us to open our hearts and minds to His voice. In silence, we can hear God’s whisper, guiding us and strengthening our faith.
Active listening in our relationship with God involves paying attention to His word in Scripture, contemplating His creation, and being attentive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. In doing so, we cultivate a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him, loving Him with all our being.
Listening to Our Neighbors
The second commandment, to love our neighbors as ourselves, is also founded on the ability to listen. In a world where noise and haste predominate, attentive listening becomes an act of love and charity. By listening to others, we recognize their dignity and show them that their words and experiences are valuable.
Listening to our neighbors goes beyond hearing their words. It involves empathy, understanding, and the genuine desire to connect with their reality. It is an act of humility, where we put aside our own thoughts and judgments to open ourselves to the experience of the other. In this way, we not only strengthen our interpersonal relationships, but we also follow the example of Christ, who always listened to those who came to Him.
The Power of Listening in Daily Life
Active listening has a transformative power in our lives and in the lives of those around us. In the family environment, listening to our loved ones strengthens bonds and creates an environment of love and respect. In the work environment, attentive listening fosters collaboration and understanding, improving efficiency and well-being in the team.
Furthermore, in our communities and parishes, listening is fundamental to building a more just and compassionate society. By being attentive to the needs and concerns of others, we can offer our support and be instruments of God’s love in the world.
The Gospel reminds us that love for God and neighbor are inseparable. To fully live these commandments, we must cultivate the ability to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, inviting us to listen more and talk less. In doing so, we not only grow in our relationship with Him, but we also contribute to a more humane and Christian world.
May this reminder inspire us to be better listeners, attentive to the voice of God and to the needs of our brothers and sisters. Listening is an act of love, and by practicing it, we draw closer to the heart of Christ and fulfill His command to love.
Exaudi means to listen.
