A sower went out to sow....

"My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it." (Lk 8:21).

Listening is fundamental if we are to be a part of Christ's family. But listening especially to the Word of God is not only about lending it an attentive ear but also opening one's heart to it. We are to put it into practice, to obey to it.

But our tragedy is that we don't listen. Our ears are more at tuned to flatteries and gossips. We shout out what contradicts our plans and ideas. Our ears are closed because our hearts are far from God. We are deaf to the Word of God because it is not appealing and because many times we don't understand it or wish to understand. Yet in our prayers we expect God to listen to us. To know the will of God, it is necessary to listen. St. Paul says —"Faith comes through listening." The Father declares — "This is my Son. Hear Him." Mary is blessed because she is accustomed to keep the Words of God faithfully in her heart. We too can become blessed, be brothers and sisters of Christ by listening. "Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it."