Listening: A Mode of Grace
At the end of my first week with you all at Trinity, I was given the advice, “It’s all about listening better. Everyone wants to be heard.” This was one of those words of advice that seemed to give life to an unarticulated idea. Now a few weeks in, this idea of listening seems to surround me. Listening is a practical mode of ministry that can easily be taken for granted. In the midst of a busy world where the ambient noise surrounding our hearts and minds may be deafening, I found great hope in listening, found here at Trinity.
To listen to another is to say, “You Are.” “You are worthy of my time, my attention, and my care.” I am led to reflect when Moses petitions God to provide a name for the divine so that he may present God’s name to the Israelites. God replies, “I AM” (Gen 3:14). To be an Israelite listening to the name of God is to know that the divine is present and real. It is as if God is saying “I am worthy of your attention.” Listening thus becomes a divine act. As we listen, we know God is present. This divine action of listening is taken up again in Matthew when Jesus explains why he uses parables. Quoting Isaiah, Jesus says, “The reason I use parables is that in seeing some do not understand, and hearing they do not listen,” (Matt 13:13). To listen with a divine ear is a means of God’s grace. When we listen, we profess that God is present. It is my belief that when we listen, the statement of “I Am Worthy” from Genesis is delivered to those whom we listen to. Since it is God who professed worthiness, and from God’s sacrifice on the cross we are made worthy, when we listen, we profess a statement of “You are worthy,” and are taking part in the abundant grace of God.
As I have come to find out, there are lots of events going on here at Trinity. It is a blessing to be able to participate in a church that is actively proclaiming Christ’s love in many modes and dreaming about how the church may continue to serve. This planning creates lots of points that demand our attention. Yet on Sunday, I am moved by the inner stillness as we listen together. While the birds and ambient car noise create a general hum that suggests Mother Nature is well and alive, the presence of us gathered in body and or spirit gives me an assurance that Trinity not only proclaims a God of now and tomorrow but also proclaims a God who listens deeply and calls us worthy. Amidst cars, booming organs, singing birds and those things which demand our attention, we are able to gather, to listen to the spirit, and pray for one another. I am moved by your ministry of listening and find great wisdom and hope here. May we continue to listen as we praise a God who listens thoroughly.
Written by:
Jack Willrett, Trinity Summer Intern
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Wonderful reflection for all of us to strive to be better listeners. All too often we are thinking about what we are going to say rather than really listening and hearing what is being said. Thank you!
Had to read a few times. Learned more each time! You are a blessing for sure.
Jack, you have proven to be a great listener. What about is to have you as part of the Trinity Ministry team and the Trinity congregation.