“If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart.”
Psalm 95:8 

Did you hear that? 

That was your reminder for Lent. This season we are stepping into the daily readings and listening to the voice of Jesus. It’s time to ask ourselves what is He trying to teach me? And most importantly, how do I soften my heart to the lesson and let it affect my daily life?

Have you ever tried to listen to the voice of the Lord, maybe during those times when you are facing a big decision or there is some stress or strife going on in your life and you want to make sense of it all. We all ask the questions, “Lord, are you here? How do I handle this? Why is this happening? If I could just get some clarity and understanding, this would be so much easier.” Or maybe times are good right now, but you just want to get closer to Jesus and recognize His voice among the many that are clamoring for your attention. Whatever the situation, which can honestly change from day to day, hearing His voice is something for which we all strive. 

Yet, as hard as we try, sometimes we miss the obvious. We are looking for a loud booming voice and a flashing arrow saying, “Child of God, the answer is right here!” But rarely does He work that way. Remember, He spoke to Elijah in the quiet whisper. (1 Kings 19:11-12) One way we can hear that soft voice is to look to Scripture which is truly the Word of God. The Bible does not come barreling at us over a loudspeaker forcing its way into our minds and hearts. It is quietly read each day at Mass. It is sitting in that book on your shelf or bedside table, waiting to be opened and absorbed. It is even a click away on that app you downloaded but don’t open frequently enough. It’s just like Jesus to wait patiently for us to hear Him, to whisper quietly of His love for us and never force His will upon us. Which means it is our job to meet Him by coming to Scripture ready to listen. 

So, this Lent is a perfect time to open our ears and turn down the noise of the world around us so that we can hear His voice. If we use this time that the Church gives us to remove the things that keep us hardened and our ears clogged up, then the lessons He wants to teach us can reach our minds and change our hearts. We pray that these reflections will give you an opportunity to dive into His Word each day, for just a moment, and let His voice seep into your soul. 

As a gentle teacher striving to help His disciples understand Truth, He wants to remind us, as He does in the Gospel reading from Mark (6:1-18) today, that this journey of Lent is between you and Him. Whatever you are giving up, praying, or donating, it is not for show or to please anyone else. It is between you and your God, who has given you the instruction to pray, fast, and give alms, but to do these things for Him and with Him in humility. May our hearts and ears be open to this lesson, and may we walk these next forty days with a receptive disposition ready to learn and grow into the person He longs for us to become. 

Happy Lent!

Reflection Questions: What are you doing this Lent to quiet the noise around you so that you can hear Him more clearly? Can you dedicate time each day to opening up the bible and praying with the readings for each day? How do you want to be different after these 40 days of Lent are finished? Pray about that and write it down, so that you can revisit it often and see how far you come by the end of March.

Prayer: Jesus, send Your Spirit upon me so that I may clear out the cobwebs and turn down the noise in my life to better hear Your voice. I need You, because I can't do this alone. I will fall many times over the next forty days but help me to get back up each time. Teach me Your ways and help me leave Lent different than I started. Amen.