08/09/2024

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

“He makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak”

Breakdown in communication,  especially in a marriage, but also in the work-place, can cause immense harm. Pretending you are listening to your spouse or child – when your  thoughts are far away - makes it clear you do not value your family – or at work, your boss.

Listening is vital if you are to pick up the feelings intertwined within the words that are being spoken.

Over  my more than 55 years of priesthood, I have learned that quite a few couples set aside  a day – typically last Saturday morning of the month – to let each other know what upset them over the past four weeks. Clearing the decks of unhappy rubble enables them to start a new month feeling fresh.

Remembering that Jesus made it clear in Mt 25,40 that what we do to anyone, we are doing to Jesus encourages me to hear what is being said – and be honest – not dumb – when I speak.

Ask yourself, am I an ‘ effective communicator’, 'empathetic listener', or 'responsive team player' ?

Never too late to learn a new skill. Research suggests that,  typically, it takes around six weeks  - a month and a half - for a new skill  to become a habit.

Are you giving the speaker your undivided attention? Do you provide non-verbal communication, such as maintaining sufficient eye contact, sitting up straight and smiling when appropriate?

Looking around, it does seem that  you are doing your best to listen – or read. Thank you!