Listen to learn – February 28, 2024

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 72; PM Psalm 119:73-96
Gen. 42:18-28; 1 Cor. 5:9-6:8; Mark 4:1-20

Last night, my family and I caught up on the latest episode of “Young Sheldon”, a CBS sitcom that tracks the upbringing of a little boy of impressive intellect in an east Texas town. In this final season of the show, Sheldon is an early teen studying string theory abroad in Germany for the summer, while accompanied by his mom. The boy is accustomed to having all the right answers and schooling his professors, pointing out quandaries and pointing to his own genius. In this new pod of classmates, the baseline of understanding is far superior to what Sheldon expects. This young man’s eyes are opened to the truth: he still has a lot to learn. It is not an easy space for him. He is urged to learn in a new way: to stop speaking and simply listen. Listen to the professor. Listen to his classmates. Listen.

This morning, I sit with Jesus’ parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-20) and read about the seeds generously imparted upon the ground. They are tiny gifts of growth potential that cannot be received on terrain that is unsafe, rocky, packed down, cluttered, or bone-dry. The seeds bounce off, dry up, get consumed by winged creatures and bugs, or get choked out. None of these can take root to the point of bringing nourishment. The failed grounds do not receive the gift of the sown seeds. By contrast, the good soil embraces the seeds and becomes a space where grain grows tall and yields much harvest.

How does Jesus begin this teaching? With the word LISTEN! How does Jesus end this teaching? “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” The word of God is offered to the curious and hungering crowd, yet it is hard for the message to be received. Or perceived. Or understood. Or acted upon. Often it takes outside assessment from a skilled teacher to raise our awareness to name or accept a truth in ourselves.

There is much for us to learn in life and in this season of Lent. Continue studying holy scripture. Keep a sage guide nearby. Check in honestly. And listen.

My prayers are with you this Lent,

Katherine+

Reflection and Challenge

Pay attention to threshold moments this week. Make note. Journal about where God is in this space. Sit in silence. Pray prayers of mourning, gratitude, guidance, or healing. Ask someone about their threshold realizations and share this holy space.