Solemnity of Christ the King
Cycle B
November 21, 2021
(This weekend, the deacon is giving the homily at the Masses. Therefore, I am sending you a recent weekday homily.)
Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
November 15, 2021 8:30am
Our Lady of Grace Parish, Parkton
We have to listen to see.
This idea may sound strange, but I think it is true.
In today’s gospel, the blind man sitting by the side of the road listens.
He apparently has listened to others talking about Jesus.
Then he listens to Jesus who asks him what he wants.
The result is that this blind man now sees.
He sees physically – his eyes are literally opened.
And he also sees spiritually – he actually addresses Jesus as Lord – a title that is close if not equivalent to God.
He comes to see Jesus for who he really is.
In contrast, some others around Jesus see physically but do not see spiritually.
And why? Because they do not listen.
They are closed to the new ideas or new ways that Jesus proposes.
They are upset with his acceptance and inclusion of others, especially with those whom they deem to be sinful.
They do not like his humility and lack of self-righteousness.
They cannot accept Jesus’ placing the care of persons above the literal prescriptions of their law.
So, they do not listen and therefore do not see who Jesus really is.
We have to listen to see.
Saint Ignatius once said: “Speak little, listen much.”
One commentator on Ignatius’ statement says that sadly, listening has become a lost art in our culture.
Sometimes we are so preoccupied with what we are going to say or so satisfied with our own understanding of things or so resistant to dealing with something new or different that we do not listen.
And the result is that we do not see.
We do not see the life experience or viewpoint of another.
We do not see the value of an idea that is new or a way that is different from what we are used to.
Why? Because we do not listen.
We must listen to see.
Father Michael Schleupner
