“We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
Yesterday, we encountered the joyful obedience of John the Baptist: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) Through humility, we learned to shift our focus from ourselves to God, creating an interior space for the voice of the Lord. But how can we maintain this space? How can we allow the voice of Christ to truly echo within our hearts? Today, let us apply this joyful self-decreasing to the practice of listening.
“Humility” not only creates space for God directly; it also paves the way for Him to speak to us through others.
The Apostle Paul gives thanks that the Thessalonians were able to discern in his preaching the word of God. They did not treat Paul’s message as merely human opinion, but gladly received it as a word that came from God. Because of this, the word of God was able to take root and bear fruit in their hearts. This reflects the same spirit we see in John the Baptist: a willingness to shift the focus away from ourselves and toward God, and also toward what God may be saying to us through others.
When we lower ourselves, God can make others channels of His grace for us.
God often chooses to speak to us through the people around us. Yet how many times have we, out of pride, refused to listen to the voices of our parents, spouses, children, colleagues, or even strangers—and in doing so missed the promptings of the Holy Spirit?
Envy and pride can make us spiritually deaf. Envy often springs from pride; it causes us to see others as rivals rather than as messengers of God.
We must resist this attitude with goodwill and humility. If we are not humble enough to listen to the people whom God places along our life’s journey, we will inevitably miss the voice that God is speaking through them.
Today, let us put into practice the spirit of John the Baptist: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
How can we step back so that the light of Christ may shine? First, practice silence in conversation.
When someone speaks to you today, do not begin forming your rebuttal in your mind before they have finished speaking. Instead, simply stand and listen attentively. Second, embrace small or unexpected humiliations.
St. Thomas Aquinas teaches that accepting moderate humiliation is a powerful remedy that heals our pride and restrains the excessive swelling of our souls.
Today, when you are misunderstood or overlooked, resist the urge to defend yourself immediately. Let it go, and offer this small “decrease” to God.
Let us once again reflect on the insight that these words of the Apostle Paul reveal to us:
“We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
Reflection
In conversations, do I stand and listen like St. John the Baptist, or do I compete for attention?
How does pride cause me to see others as opponents, causing me to miss the voice of God that is spoken through them?
What attitudes—such as envy or defensiveness—prevent me from seeing the people around me as messengers of God?
Today’s Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding me through today’s reflection that You often speak to me through the people around me. Yet because of my self-centeredness and pride, I have missed the words You wished to say to me.
Teach me to imitate the humility of St. John the Baptist. Remove my pride, and help me to hear Your voice through others.
Today I am willing to practice silence in conversation, to notice Your presence in others, and to listen to what You are saying to me through them.
Speak, Lord; Your servant is listening.
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