Reflection for January 11
Bro. Michael Moran, C.P., St. John the Baptist
The theme of our two readings today is listening. In our first reading from the First Letter of St. John, we are told: “We have this confidence in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” God is listening to us when we try to live and act according to God’s values.
In the Gospel according to John, we are told that some people asked John the Baptist about Jesus, since Jesus was baptizing people at the same time John was. They found it confusing. John the Baptist basically tells them that it’s okay that Jesus is doing this. He then uses a beautiful metaphor to describe the relationship of Jesus and himself: Jesus is the groom and John the Baptist is the best man. “…the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.”
It’s hard to listen in our busy, noisy culture. Our lives are filled with voices outside of us and the chatter inside our heads. We’re being called in these readings to take a little time today, and every day, to sit quietly, shut off the noise outside of us and chatter inside of us as best we can, and just listen for God’s voice. We know that God is listening to us, so tell God what you need, and listen to what God has to say to you.
Bro. Michael Moran, C.P.