Ordinary Time

Pause

Here we are. It's February, and Christmas is not far behind. In one of my favorite songs of that season, we sing, "Do you hear what I hear? A song, a song, high above the trees, with a voice as big as the sea. With a voice as big as the sea.”

Have you ever thought of the sea having a voice?

Do you think of songs you cannot actually hear, but which speak to you?

Are we missing some of the music that might actually sing in our hearts, if we were open to the song?

Let us tune our ears and hearts to the Holy in this moment.

Listen

Early in the morning, well before sunrise, Jesus rose and went to a deserted place where he could be alone in prayer. Simon and those with him tracked him down. When they found him, they told him, “Everyone’s looking for you!”

He replied, “Let’s head in the other direction, to the nearby villages, so that I can preach there too. That’s why I’ve come.” He traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and throwing out demons.

Mark 1:35-39

Think

How often we read of people going into the desert to pray. I live in the desert, and it is true that many of the distractions of the city get stripped away. It is easier somehow to see life differently in a more quiet world — the striking beauty of the land against the wide open sky, the magnificent sunrises and sunsets. When we remove the loud voices of deadlines, our peers, demanding teachers and coaches, and a constant stream of media, we’re better able to tune our ears to God’s voice.

Have you ever thought of the 23rd Psalm as instructions about prayer rather than just comforting words? “He lets me rest in grassy meadows; he leads me to restful waters; he keeps me alive.” Withdrawing to a deserted place to be alone — even if it’s a place inside of you — can “keep you alive.” Try it; you might like it.

Barbara Gray

Pray

Come Holy one, be present. Be present in my soul. Heal me. Heal me. Make my loving whole. Amen.

Go

Perhaps, with God’s help, we may choose which voices are stronger in our world. Haven’t you heard? Haven’t you heard the good news of God?

Listen to the trees, the geese flying overhead, the quiet sun slipping behind the hill. So much music in the quietest places in our world.

Go. Open your heart to the music of that silence. Let in the music that many never hear. Choose to listen only for the voices that feed your soul.

And you will be new music to others; and you will hear others in new ways. It’s the good news we all are waiting to hear.