Homily 514 | 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time | Year B
When Jesus is asked which is the greatest commandment, he answers by reciting one of the most famous Jewish prayers, “Hear, O Israel.” It simply known in Hebrew as the “Shema,” literally “Hear.” With so much noise around us these days, it’s not so easy to hear.
Unlike our sense of sight that we can direct or even momentary turn off, we don’t normally stop hearing. We think a lot about the food we put into our bodies, but what about the sounds? I like to get out in nature and take in the natural sounds of the country. I also enjoy music, both playing and attending concerts. As human beings, we are made by God to desire the good, the true, and the beautiful. Do the sounds we take in measure up?
The Shema prayer commands us to hear. It therefore reminds us that we have a God who speaks. God does not primarily communicate by writing, but by speaking. Do we make time to “Talk to God and listen the casual reply,” as a famous song suggests? Just as light pollution can make the stars seem dim, so the cacophony around us can make it hard to hear God’s voice. Find some time for quiet and beautiful sounds today. Listen… what do you hear?