PULL YOUR EARS AND LISTEN

---

Today’s Readings:

Jeremiah 7:23-28

Psalm 95:1-2,6-9

Luke 11:14-23

---

I cannot count the number of times my mother struck my ear. Whenever I failed to do as she instructed, she would strike me in the ear. She doesn’t pull your ears. It does not do the job. She will rather approach you in ninja style when you are least aware, position her thumb and her middle finger (like kids of my generation playing with crown corks) and strike you on the helix several times. This usually left my ear lobe throbbing with red-hot sensations for minutes. “You no dey hear word”, she would add, and watch you humbled into subservience as you carry out her instructions. It is the repeated acts of discipline that prune you and condition you to be more attentive. I wonder how most children today are taught to listen. Trust me shouting at them never does the job—it never did.

In today’s first reading, Prophet Jeremiah has his work cut out for him. God gives him a summary of His relationship with Israel: ‘They have not listened to me, have not paid attention; they have grown stubborn and behaved worse than their ancestors. You may say all these words to them: they will not listen to you; you may call them: but they will not answer. So, tell them this, “Here is the nation that will not listen to the voice of the Lord its God nor take correction.”’ (Jeremiah 7:26-28).

At the heart of our relationship failure with God are:

• Absence of God’s word in our heart (Abide in God’s word – John 15:4-9).

• Selfishness (Abide in mutual love – Romans 13:8)

• Unhealthy comparisons (In all things give thanks to God – 1 Thessalonians 5:18)

• Spiritual laziness (embrace the Lenten pillars of prayer, fasting and abstinence)

• Hunger for signs and wonders (Do not test God; only believe – Deuteronomy 6:16; Mark 5:36)

• Lack of faith (And you shall never die or see misfortune – John 11:25-26)

• Lack of trust (Ask for what you need in prayer and trust God – Psalm 56:3-4; Mark 11:24)

All these things will prove effective in your life only if you listen.

                                                                                                JUDE-MARY OWOH

---

To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud:

Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I believe and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart, keep me from all evil, and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord!

If you said the above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest, as the case may be.

Prayer:

1. May God heal my deafness to his Word. And grant me the disposition to trust in Him and flee the distractions and dark clouds of sin through Christ our Lord. Amen.

2. Lord, help me to trust You more, listen more, love You more, do and speak less. Amen.