My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:19-21
“I have to look inwardly and see myself as God sees me, the weak and sinful person I am, though loved by God ‘just as I am’. Union with God must be within that quiet room Jesus spoke of — the interior silence of the soul at prayer. Living the life of a contemplative is not solely for my own spriritual growth for God has given me the gift of being able to listen prayerfully to other people and the strength and courage to communicate His love both by listening to and praying for them.”
Mary Vickerage SCL as recounted in What Do You Seek? Wisdom from Religious Life for Today’s World by John-Francis Friendship (Norwich: Canterbury Press, 2021) 54.
I’ve had meetings this weekend that may result in a major grant for GTP over the next five years. It will require me to do a lot of writing that flows from the listening I did. Then, last night on the phone I spoke to a friend on the phone whose husband is in poor health and struggling to survive. After listening to her situation, I prayed for her.
We don’t often think of listening prayerfully in work meetings or on phone calls as an aspect of our generosity. But, often that’s the best way for us to love people. I have room for growth in this area. Perhaps you do it? God help us realize our own brokenness and need to listen and love others prayerfully and generously. Amen.