LISTENING

Listening is an act of love that goes beyond hearing words. “Mary was greatly moved when she heard these words and wondered what the greeting meant.” (Lk 1:26-38) Mary listened; she allowed herself to be touched by the message that the angel transmitted to her from God. Listening implies letting the other speak, allowing the other to express himself, it consists of giving space to the other, opening the heart, breaking down the interior and exterior barriers that hinder the true encounter with the other. This is what Mary did, so her answer was a resounding LET IT BE DONE. And we, do we really listen? This Christmas, may we be able to hear what God wants from us, and may listening from the heart be a gift we can offer to those around us this Christmas.