Listening and Hearing

Jesus said, "Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God."

The Jews answered him, "Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?" Jesus answered, "I do not have a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is one who seeks it and he is the judge. Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death." The Jews said to him, "Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.' Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?" Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, 'He is our God,' though you do not know him. But I know him; if I would say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad." Then the Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am." So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. John 8:47-59 

Listening and Hearing

The sun is barely up and I hear singing

birds rejoice in a new day and light

we wake to bury our heads in our screen

and miss the songs of the living,

If we would but wake up we too could

hear the ancient rhythms beating drums

voices raise in harmony and unison

the morning song of thanks to the Creator.

But we listen with greed in our hearts

hoping to hear of benefits for us

we have set aside the currency of love

spent it all on satisfying our desires.

And still the morning breaks open

with invitation and song for our hearts

make way for love and new life

hear God's heart as our hearts break open.