Homily for Second Sunday

Fathers Greg and Curtis, priests assigned to St. William Church, were having a spirited discussion on the difference between hearing and listening. Fr. Greg, who teaches at the local college, lamented that his students heard him but failed to listen to him. Fr. Curtis asked, “Can your students listen without hearing?” Fr. Greg replied, “Not really! Most of them hear but don’t listen very well! They physically hear words coming from my mouth but fail to really understand what I am saying. Listening requires both attention and understanding.” Fr. Curtis said, “Perhaps the readings in this weekend’s liturgy might help our people who hear God calling but are struggling in listening and finding where He is.”

In today’s Gospel lesson, as Jesus walked by after his baptism, John the Baptist said, “Behold the Lamb of God.” Andrew, a disciple of John and another disciple not only heard John and but listened and understood. They followed Jesus. Aware that he was being followed, Jesus turned around and questioned Andrew and the other disciple. Jesus might have asked, “Who are you looking for?” But there was no need. Andrew and the other disciple accepted Jesus as the Messiah. So, Jesus asked, “What are you looking for?” Andrew replied, “Where are you staying?” Jesus replied, “Come, and you will see.”

Convinced that Jesus is the Messiah, Andrew wanted to know where Jesus was going and where he was staying.  There are many people today who are searching for answers to life and happiness. They hear priests, teachers and preachers tell them about Jesus, the chosen one who gives hope in a new life. They hear but don’t listen, don’t understand. Much work needs to be done to help people not only to hear the good news but to listen and accept the gospel as transformative. This requires true listening and acceptance.

Convinced that Jesus is the Messiah, Andrew went to his brother, Simon, telling him that he had found the Messiah. He then took Simon to Jesus. Having recognized Simon as the son of John, Jesus told Simon that he would be known as Peter. The gospel writer, John, does not tell of any further conversation. If today’s Christian accepts Jesus as the Christ, it is expected that the one who has found Jesus, the Messiah, will lead others to faith.

Now the problem of hearing and listening comes into play. As parents, teachers, and preachers of the good news, we encourage, invite, our children, who have left organized religion, to come back. We fear for their salvation. They hear but are not listening. Recall the story in the Old Testament about Samuel who was dedicated to the Lord by his mother and left in the Temple of the Lord. As a very young boy, Samuel had to learn the distinction between hearing and listening.  One night, the Lord called to Samuel who was sleeping. Three times, Samuel heard the Word of the Lord and went to Eli who was in charge of the children left in the Temple. Eli told Samuel, “I did not call you. Go back to sleep.” Finally, after Samuel interrupted Eli’s sleep for the third time, Eli realized that it was the Lord calling Samuel. So, he told Samuel, “The next time you hear the Lord calling, say “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Samuel learned the difference between hearing and listening. Not only did Samuel hear the Word of God, but he also listened and learned to understand what the Lord wanted.

Andrew who heard the word spoken by John the Baptist, followed Jesus who in turn asked them what they were looking for? Andrew asked, “Where are you staying?” Jesus replied, “Come and you will see.” After Andrew and the other disciple learned where Jesus was staying, Andrew took the good news to his brother, Simon Peter. Today the same question is asked by those who are seeking a better life and happiness. If they will hear and listen to us whose mission is to lead them to Christ, we can remind them that through Baptism God lives within us. This is where God is found, within us. Of course, God who is love is found in everything. However, seek the God who lives within your spirit.

Be patient! In prayer, we will hear Jesus talking to you. In faith, you will listen and understand the One who loves and desires to be with you. In one sense, go back to ‘sleep’ and learn to listen to the Lord. Stop talking and expecting Jesus to do what you want; and listen to Jesus telling you that He loves you.

Greg and Curtis felt good about their discussion, realizing that they had some good ideas for Sunday’s homily. How about you? Can you hear the word of God when you pray, and do you listen to and understand the good news that God who lives within you loves you?

God be blessed! Now and forever. Amen.