In the ancient Greek world, listening was a revered virtue, implying not just the physical act of hearing, but a deep receptivity to wisdom and understanding. This understanding of listening, as echoed in the Gospel, is the call to hear and respond to God’s voice (John 10:27, Matthew 17:5).
Pope Leo XIV, in his 2026 Lenten message, invites us to “allow God to teach us how to listen as He does,” emphasizing the transformative power of listening in our spiritual journey.
Listening is not merely a passive act; it’s a transformative practice that opens our hearts to God’s presence and voice. As the Psalmist writes, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). When we listen, we acknowledge our need for God, and He draws near to us. This listening is not limited to personal piety; it’s a communal practice that opens us to the needs of others.
Listening is a transformative Lenten practice that opens our hearts to God’s presence and voice. By listening to God’s Word, we become more like Jesus, who listened perfectly to the Father. The scriptural narrative begins with the first man, Adam, who failed to listen to God’s command, succumbing to the serpent’s deceit (Genesis 3:1-7).
This primal failure to listen sets the stage for humanity’s struggle with obedience and trust. In contrast, Jesus, the Word incarnate, exemplifies perfect listening, saying, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). He invites us to join Him in this listening, to tune our ears to the Father’s heart.
Pope Leo XIV encourages us to “allow God to teach us how to listen as He does,” to hear the cry of the poor, the oppressed, and the suffering. This listening is key to developing empathy and compassion, essential for building a civilization of love. As we listen, we become more attuned to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, guiding us to love and serve others.
As we embark on this Lenten journey, let’s cultivate the virtue of listening, a skill that can be developed with practice and intention. By listening to God’s Word, we open ourselves to His transformative presence, becoming more like Jesus, who listened perfectly to the Father.
The Scriptures are replete with examples of God’s people listening to His voice. In the book of Exodus, Moses is instructed to tell the Israelites to “listen to my voice and keep my covenant” (Exodus 19:5). Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).
By: Sem. Robert Bigabwarugaba, rrobertrugaba@gmail.com, St Paul’s National Seminary Kinyamasika
