Reflection

“Just as love to God begins with listening to His Word, so the beginning of love for [others] is learning to listen to them... Anyone who thinks that his time is too valuable to spend keeping quiet will eventually have no time for God and his brother [or sister], but only for himself and for his own follies” –Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Prayer

God of presence,
We know that many people today are longing for companionship in community. For their sake as much as our own, help us commit to listening better to each other. Let this simple yet profound act of service flourish among us, as people of conscience and a ministry together. In conversation with you above all, increase our spirit of hospitality so we might become present, attentive, and open truly to hear and receive the voices around us. In your name, we pray. Amen.

Call to Action

Practice being quiet. Listen more than I talk. Learn to become an ear for others, as a sign of my love for God and humanity.