Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: In the book, Thoughts in Solitude, Thomas Merton writes, “If our life is poured out in useless words, we will never hear anything, never become anything, and in the end, because we have said everything before we had anything to say, we shall be left speechless at the moment of our greatest decision.”

Merton’s words remind me of the chief priests and elders in the Gospel today. They always had a lot to say to and about Jesus. They constantly questioned him, trying to catch him in a “slip of the tongue.” Yet, in today’s Gospel they were left speechless.
I have always thought these religious leaders were not bad people. They were just fearful people. They were people afraid to stop long enough to listen, to hear and to recognize God’s gift in their midst because it might mean they would have to change.

Perhaps our reflection today might be to ask ourselves if we are willing to stop and listen. Each day we encounter God in many ways. Are we like the chief priests and elders afraid to listen to, and acknowledge God’s presence? Are we afraid that if we do, we might have to change?

Advent can be a busy time, lots of things to do before Christmas. Do we dare stop the rush and take some time to listen, to hear, to recognize God’s presence? Let’s hope so because if we do this just might be one of the greatest moments in our life!
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Have a great day everyone!