Tuesday, September 26, 2006

25th Tuesday in Ordinary Time (II)
From the Heart


Readings: Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13; Psalm 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44; Luke 8:19-21

Following upon the parable of the Sower, our gospel today continues to invite us to meditate upon the importance of and connection between hearing and doing God’s Word. Jesus’ words today give us an indication of just how important. Hearing and doing God’s Word brings us into relationship with Jesus – a relationship that he considers more intimate even than ties of blood. My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice. Even so, it’s not always easy to do this. How does one hear God’s word? How does one know what to do? And even if one does know, how does one find the strength to act?

The proverbs in the first reading provide some indication. We notice the mention of the heart. The Lord… weighs the heart. Could it be that it is possible for us to hear and do God’s Word only when we allow that Word to enter into our heart – that deepest part of our being, that center of all our thoughts and feelings? Could it be that it is only by listening at this level that we can receive the wisdom to relate what we hear to our particular situation and the strength to put what we hear into practice? Again, it is not an easy task. Too many things distract us. Is that not why we need continually to pray as the psalmist does: that God might guide us in the way of His commands?

What is the next step for us on this way?

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