Listen!

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen! Matthew 11:7-15

We live in a time when there is so much said, online, in the media, and on our streets and so much of it is critical, angry and accusatory. There is much noise, and it can be hard to listen. Too few people listen before they speak, and even fewer listen in prayer before they chastise and abuse. Jesus asks us today to listen. When we listen closely and observe, we begin to understand in a deeper, more compassionate way. He invited his disciples and the crowd around him to listen deeply and observe carefully that the world was changing, and their old ways and understandings will be shaken and changed as well. We live in a time when we are tempted to shut everything out and turn everything off. We are invited to listen to the heart of God and know, as our world changes our Creator is in the midst of it.

Gracious Creator, you are patience with us

as we are deaf to your call for compassion

as we speak before we take time to listen

and you love us all despite our stubbornness.

We are stirred up and want to scream our pain

yet too often we victimize others with our anger

too often we fail to listen to your still small voice

calling us to deep listening and deeper prayer.

Lord Jesus, help us to learn to listen deeply

give us the faith to take all our worries to you

let prayers of mercy and love ever be on our lips

so that we might serve those who are not heard. Amen.