Year of Mercy Reflection

Friday, Oct. 21, 2016

Communicating with one another is a powerful means of connection. Yet, it is so easy in our world today, full of endless chatter, to become part of the cacophony. To counter this, I have become increasingly aware of the importance of listening. In fact, it has become one of my personal “works of mercy.” 

Recently, I was reminded in yoga class to refrain from judgement and be attentive to what my body is saying in order to fully benefit from the practice. To do this requires stillness and quieting my mind. Similarly, listening involves more than just hearing someone’s words; it means responding to them and being attentive to them – in essence, finding a path towards empathy and mercy. This, too, requires silence.

Whether I am “counseling the doubtful” or “comforting the sorrowful,” there is nothing more important than allowing others time to share their thoughts. The impact of listening is profoundly apparent when I let my sons regale me with the highs and lows of their day at school. I remind myself to be quiet and let them talk without offering endless commentary and unsolicited advice. This requires a great deal of sensitivity and patience, but the reward has been worth it. I am learning that by paying attention I have created a new level of encounter and connection; a closer relationship that quietly accompanies them. For me, listening has become an act of generosity and of gratitude for the young men they are becoming. 

God’s endless mercy is shown through his patience and understanding of our weaknesses. He listens to us as an act of love. Just as I continue to practice yoga, struggling with poses and movements, I am reminded that listening is not easy. Learning how to communicate, and love, through listening is a gift of mercy which I continue to pray for and will endlessly have to practice.