Homily for the Thursday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time

We must listen very carefully to what Jesus says, “Take care what you hear.” There are so many things that we hear, but we do not always pay attention to or take notice of what we hear. Just as there is often more to someone than meets the eye, so there can be more to what someone says than meets the ear. When we listen attentively, we can often hear more in what someone says that may not be immediately obvious to a less-than-attentive ear.

That which applies to our ordinary conversations applies, even more, when the LORD’S word is spoken. There is always more to the word of the LORD than first meets the ear. Jesus declares in the gospel that the more carefully we listen, the more we will receive, “The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you.” The riches contained within the LORD’S words are plentiful and He is generous with them, but it is our generosity, our generous and attentive listening, that allows those riches to be released into our lives.+