In the sixth month, Gabriel (the angel) was sent from God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man called Joseph, from the family of David. The virgin was called Mary.
Are you listening? Or are you hearing? Listening doesn’t require much attention. It is passive. Hearing, on the other hand, requires your attention; it means hearing with an attempt to understand.
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, she was totally unprepared to hear what was being directed toward her. Yet, she heard God’s call to become the mother of our savior, Jesus Christ. “Fear not, Mary. The Lord is with you,” proclaimed Gabriel.
“I’m here! The Lord’s servant! Let it happen for me just as you have said!” (Luke 1:38). That was Mary’s response of faith to an astonishing message from the angel Gabriel.
God speaks to all of us. The noise, confusion, distractions, headlines, constant clamor, interruptions are all hindrances to God’s words. One of the fastest ways to improve any relationship is to listen and not think about what to say in response. Withdrawing from the noise of the world requires energy, time, practice, patience and a willingness to let go of what so many of us consider IMPORTANT!
As a former American Lung Association staff person, I became exceptionally intimate with the magnitude of breathing. Beyond the Breath written by Marshall Glickman has had an immense effect on my ability to be still. To be still, silent and to hear is not easy. Yet, the benefits are numerous. Our ability to hear connects us to the world, and it also allows us to hear God’s messages. I read this book during the isolation of COVID. It was perfect timing for me. I was forced to be still. As a result, I was more able to hear, to really hear, to hear what was deep inside of me. It was God’s messages that I began to hear. The messages were deep feelings of being connected to the spirit of God. This type of listening moved me toward meditation. Meditation can be frightening to some. What will happen to me if I am alone with myself? Surprisingly, you may find tranquility. To be tranquil, to be silent offers many opportunities that may have been foreign to you.
The value of stillness, silence and solitude are countless. Reducing stress, anxiety, worry, fear, depression are just a few. God communicates in many forms. God wants us to hear His voice.
May we, like Mary, respond, “I’m here! The Lord’s servant! Let it happen for me just as you have said!” (Luke 1:38).
Barbara Silvestri, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, taught 1st grade in a Catholic school for 10 years, lector, Eucharistic Minister, Minister of Care & long-time religious instructor at several churches throughout the Chicago & Joliet Diocese.