A reflection on Luke 11:47–5 for Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time.
I admire the prophets when I read their books. They spoke boldly at great cost. With the hindsight of the past, it seems obvious that people should have listened to them. Jesus encourages us to really think about that in today’s Gospel. His audience honors the prophets their ancestors killed, yet they don’t hear the voices God sends to them now.
I wonder if I would have been much different.
I love my parish. I know people who give their time generously, and I see how much care goes into things most of us take for granted. When someone points out a problem there, my first impulse is to defend the faithful parishioners I know.
Suppose a parent says her child no longer feels welcome at Mass. I tell her that families are welcome, because I believe they are. But she has come to me with a particular experience. I can let her complete her thoughts. I can ask what happened. My love for the parish ought to make me care about her answer, even if it is uncomfortable.
Listening requires humility. I can ask questions and really consider what I hear. I can notice when my desire to protect a good opinion of my community is making me impatient with someone who is really hurting. Jesus’ words tell me that I must do that harder work.
I teach my daughters to speak the truth and to jump in when someone needs help. They learn by watching me though. I hope they see me make room for the person speaking, especially when I would rather explain everything away.
Lord Jesus, give me the patience to listen before I defend myself or the people I love. Help me recognize harm, respond with honesty, and accept correction when it is needed. Teach me to love your Church well enough to hear what I would rather avoid. Amen.
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