Saint Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), Priest (Memorial)

Take care, then, how you hear. 

Why does Jesus tell his disciples that they are meant to be a light shining brightly but then conclude by saying, “Take care, then, how you hear” (Luke 18:18, emphasis added). What does hearing have to do with being a light?

It has to do with making sure that what is “inside” our hearts is integrated with what is “outside,” with our actions. What and how we hear—what we take in from the world and make part of the foundation of our lives—affects the way we live. And that determines whether or not we’ll be a light to the world around us. It’s clear that the Lord wants us to radiate the light of his truth and love. We are not meant to conceal God’s light within us but to put it “on a lampstand” so that it shines out of us (Luke 8:16). But to know and radiate God’s truth, we need to hear his voice. And the best way to hear God’s voice is to immerse ourselves in his word.

We can hear the Scriptures every day at Mass. We can read and even study the Bible during our prayer time. But how are we hearing God’s message? Are we putting it into practice, or are we taking God’s word for granted, rushing through it, or even allowing it to stay at a superficial level?

Take care how you hear. Make sure when you’re spending time with the Lord in the Scriptures that you are focused and attentive. Ask the Holy Spirit to open the reading to you and give you the grace to respond to it. If a particular passage speaks to your heart, write it down so you can go back to it later. Above all, let God’s word change the way you think and act—let it help you take on God’s own thoughts and follow him more closely.

God speaks to us most clearly and directly through his word. So spend time with the Scriptures today. The more you do this, the more you’ll hear God speaking to you—and the more you’ll be inspired to obey him. And that will make you like a lamp on a lampstand, shining brightly and illuminating the world around you.

“Lord, thank you for speaking to me in your word! May it shine forth from me as I follow you.”

Proverbs 3:27-34
Psalm 15:2-5
Luke 8:16-18