Readings (Year B):
Deuteronomy 18:15 – 20
Psalms 95:1 – 2, 6 – 7, 7 – 9
1 Corinthians 7:32 – 35
Mark 1:21 – 28
Reflection: Quiet yourself, and listen to God
Years ago, as a student at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, I would often hear the name of Professor Robert Schreiter in hushed, reverential tones. A group of students would be coming down the stairs energetically discussing theology and one of them would say “Bob Schreiter said…” and everyone would listen attentively… and then respond “he’s so good.” When I finally took a class with him, I wasn’t sure what to expect, half expecting the detached, elite intellectual we encounter in popular culture.
But Bob Schreiter, with all his renown and intellectual prowess, was not that. Instead, he was incredibly sensitive and curious. Intrigued, I took as many classes with him as I could and found myself attentive to his every word. However, over time, I discovered he was much more interested in listening than in lecturing. Which is why, on one particular occasion, I was attuned when he responded to a student who was speaking about the importance of using a prophetic voice. In his typical gentle manner, he redirected and qualified how a “prophetic voice” was understood in the scriptures.
His clarification made a lasting impression. He reminded us that prophets in the Old Testament never sought to be prophets. One does not choose to be a prophet. Instead, prophets are called by God. His message was about discernment. What he made me ponder was the significant difference between passionately speaking about something important to you, versus receiving a prophetic message from God.
Sometimes, for religious people, these can get confused. We’re passionate about many issues, perhaps something rooted in Catholic social teaching, so we speak out strongly and with great confidence… and that can be good. However, sometimes we are tempted to say we’re using a “prophetic voice.” That’s where Bob’s words regularly make me stop and ponder not only my motivations but how I say what I’m saying. If it’s not deeply rooted in the scriptures, I need to pray and ponder more before speaking.
Today’s readings are about discerning the voice of God. I can’t think of anything more important nor anything more worthy of patience, prayer, and communal reflection. Our first reading from Deuteronomy shows this dynamic, that it’s God who chooses prophets, not people who choose to be prophets. That’s an important distinction.
Our responsorial psalm then asks us, “when God speaks are you listening?” Maybe we can be a bit more nuanced here and say, “Do you create time and space to be open to God?” We can’t just make a demand upon God and then say, “I’m listening!” Instead, we must quiet ourselves and create an internal disposition, an openness to God—letting God communicate with us in God’s way and in God’s time.
After all, as Psalm 139 says so beautifully: before you were knit together in your mother’s womb God knew you. So, God knows how to communicate with you!
When you quiet yourself and listen, you might be surprised. You may discover a prophetic voice or a special calling. You may also find that you are loved and that what you’re doing is valued. You may even find an answer to a problem that has weighed upon you. Whatever the case, when you create this time and space, you’re building a deeper relationship with God.
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