“He Who Has Ears, Let Him Hear”

When we ask a question, do we expect an answer? I believe we do unless the question is rhetorical. Right? As my mother might say, “I’m not just talking to hear myself talk. Answer me.”

So, when we pray, if we ask God a question, do we expect an answer? Of course we do. We all know that we may not get exactly what we want or in the way we expect or in the time frame we think we need, but I believe we talk to God whether directly or through the intercession of Mary or the saints and angels with the intention of getting some answers.

I’ll never forget speaking with my spiritual director on some specific concerns and saying, “When I was in the chapel and asked God …, He very clearly responded …” Much to my surprise, I guess because I figured other people had previously shared with him about their conversations with God, he questioned, “Did you hear a voice or did the answer come into your mind or your heart? What do you mean exactly?” Suddenly I felt a little uneasy about “hearing” God’s response and I jumped on, “Well, you know, I’m sure it was just the answer in my head.” But, I didn’t really mean that. I meant that I prayed to God and He answered me. Don’t we expect that?

The other day as I sat at morning mass alone and yet surrounded by the people who are my people, I brought before God all my needs and my concerns and quite frankly right now I’m a little heavy handed. He knows and I’m comfortable laying it all out before Him. Again and again. I feel He never tires of my talk, my requests, my concerns, my gratefulness or my questions. Suddenly, I point blank asked Him, “What more do you want from me?” I’m thinking He knows very well how hard I try. He knows my routines, my prayer life, my dedication to Mass and the rosary and the work I do in our ministry. And I’m not crazy, I know I have tons of room for improvement but suddenly I heard clearly, “I want you to stop complaining.” I’m not gonna lie. Kinda jolted me. I knew exactly what He was talking about and it is precisely what I need to do.

Oftentimes, when we feel overloaded by life or when we are simply tired, we complain. We may not do it consciously or obviously, but little quips and body language can get old to those who have to live with us. We all have something going on, whether mentally or spiritually or physically. I don’t know anyone without some sort of worldly baggage. But, I think those times when we feel overwhelmed are the very times when grace is ours for the taking. Big time Grace. Grace that leads to healing and to answers and I mean answers that we can see and hear.

It’s very true that God never gives us more than we can handle and I believe that how we handle those times are key for the journey, for this day and for our lives. I am learning the importance of listening to the voice of God. I am learning to trust the process and to work on not complaining. I am learning to stop jabbering in prayer long enough to hear what He has to say and to allow Him to lead me through. (At the Father-Daughter dances my dad said I was a terrible dancer because I was always trying to lead.) But I am learning and I am listening and amidst all the messiness of the world, I am trying to hear because I do want to be answered and I want the Big Time Grace. What I know for sure is that He can handle all I lay out. He is God and I am not. He is the answer and I do have ears to hear.

I pray I can do more with less complaining. I pray that we all take time before Him. And I pray that in this world filled with baggage, we all can find the answers we need to persevere, to live life to the fullest and to hear. Him. Loud and clear.