Listen...

It is interesting to note that the words listen and silent are spelled with the same letters. To be a good listener, we need first to learn how to be silent. In all our relationships including our relationship with God, listening is very important. Some people are very good at listening. ‘To listen’, means to hear attentively, ‘to pay attention to’ and our relationship with God in prayer means giving God our full attention.

Last Sunday we celebrated the ‘transfiguration’ and in the gospel on a mountain, the voice of God proclaims Jesus to be his most beloved Son, saying “listen to him.” These words are important! God the Father said this to these Apostles, and says to us as well: “listen to Jesus, because he is my beloved Son”. “Listen to Jesus!” - we, the disciples of Jesus, are called to be people who listen to his voice and take his words seriously.

Whatever we may have chosen to do or sacrifice for lent will be different for each person, some of you may have decided to give up chocolate or even beer for lent. Interestingly, a Parish Priest once recommended what to do during the 40 days of lent. He said we should have lots of BEER. 

This means: 

B: Bible - Read your Bible. 

E: Empathy - Feel empathy for the poor and neglected and do something about it. 

E: Eucharist - Go to Mass if you can. 

R: Reconciliation - This is the best time to reconcile with those we have hurt, seek forgiveness and restore our relationship with God and one another. 

How much BEER will you be having this Lent?