Opening Our Hearts to God’s Voice

By -

 




Opening Our Hearts to God’s Voice

Readings:
First Reading -  1 Kings 11:29–32; 12:19
Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 81:10–15
Alleluia - Acts 16:14
Gospel Reading - Mark 7:31–37

Today’s readings revolve around one central message: God is always speaking, but the blessing depends on whether our hearts are open to listen.

The Consequence of Closed Hearts

In 1 Kings, we witness the painful division of Israel. Because Solomon turned away from God, the kingdom began to break apart. The prophet Ahijah symbolically tears his garment into twelve pieces, showing how the kingdom would be divided.

By the time we reach 1 Kings 12:19, the division becomes reality. The once united kingdom of Israel is split.

This division reminds us that when we drift from God, disunity follows—not just in nations, but also in families, relationships, and even within our own hearts.

Psalm 81 reveals God’s deep sorrow over His people’s stubbornness:

“My people did not listen to my voice… If only my people would listen to me.”

These words are not spoken in anger but in love. God longs to guide, protect, and bless His people, but He never forces obedience. He invites.

The Blessing of an Open Heart

Acts of the Apostles introduces Lydia, a beautiful example of what happens when someone listens to God. Scripture says:

“The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul.”

Notice that Lydia’s transformation begins with an open heart. Because she listened, her life changed. Her household received faith, and she became a pillar in the early Christian community.

God is always speaking, but spiritual growth begins when we allow Him to open our hearts.

Jesus Opens What Is Closed

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus heals a man who was deaf and had difficulty speaking. Jesus touches his ears and tongue and says, “Ephphatha,” meaning, “Be opened.”

Immediately, the man can hear and speak clearly.

This miracle is more than physical healing—it is a spiritual symbol. Many times, we may have ears but fail to hear God’s voice. We may have mouths but struggle to proclaim His goodness.

Jesus continues to speak “Be opened” to our hearts today.

He desires to open:

  • Our ears to hear His guidance

  • Our hearts to receive His love

  • Our mouths to proclaim His truth

Listening Leads to Restoration

The contrast across the readings is powerful:

  • Israel’s kingdom divided because hearts were closed.

  • Lydia’s life flourished because her heart was opened.

  • The deaf man was restored when Jesus touched him.

God does not abandon us when we struggle to listen. Instead, He gently invites us back, saying, “Be opened.”

Reflection Questions

  • Am I truly listening when God speaks through Scripture, prayer, or life situations?

  • Are there areas in my life where my heart has become stubborn or resistant?

  • Do I allow Jesus to heal my spiritual deafness?

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Speak Your word, “Be opened,” over my life.
Open my ears to hear Your voice.
Open my heart to receive Your guidance.
Remove every stubbornness and fear that keeps me from You.
Help me listen, trust, and follow You daily.
Amen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Saint Jerome Emiliani — Father of Orphans and Apostle of Charity

By -
Image
 Saint Jerome Emiliani — Father of Orphans and Apostle of Charity The life of Saint Jerome Emiliani is a moving story of conversion, compassion, and courageous love for the forgotten. His journey from a life centered on ambition to one poured out for the poor reminds us that God can transform even our deepest wounds into sources of healing for others. From Soldier to Servant Saint Jerome Emiliani was born in Venice in 1486 into a noble family. As a young man, he pursued a military career, seeking honor and success. However, during a battle, Jerome was captured and imprisoned. In the darkness of his cell, he turned to God in prayer, surrendering his life and future to Him. Upon his release, Jerome experienced a profound conversion. He recognized that true freedom and fulfillment are found not in power or status, but in serving God and others. Reflection: God often meets us in our lowest moments to lead us toward our true purpose. A Heart for the Forgotten After becoming a priest, Sa...
Read more

Let Your Light Shine: Faith That Is Lived, Not Hidden

By -
Image
 Let Your Light Shine: Faith That Is Lived, Not Hidden Readings: First Reading -  Isaiah 58:7–10 Responsorial Psalm-  Psalm 112:4–8 Second Reading -   1 Corinthians 2:1–5 Alleluia -   John 8:12 Gospel Reading -  Matthew 5:13–16 Today’s readings call us beyond words and appearances into a faith that is visible, humble, and life-giving. They remind us that the light of Christ shines most brightly when it is lived through love, service, and trust in God. True Worship Becomes Compassion In Isaiah 58, God speaks clearly about what pleases Him: sharing bread with the hungry, welcoming the homeless, clothing the naked, and caring for one’s own. Faith that remains only in ritual or speech is incomplete. God desires mercy lived out in concrete action. When we choose compassion, God promises that “your light shall break forth like the dawn.” Light is born where love is practiced. Light for the Upright Psalm 112 describes the person who fears the Lord and li...
Read more

Saint Josephine Bakhita — From Chains to Freedom in Christ

By -
Image
 Saint Josephine Bakhita — From Chains to Freedom in Christ The life of Saint Josephine Bakhita is a profound testimony to the healing power of God’s love. Her journey from slavery to sainthood reveals a faith that transforms suffering into forgiveness and pain into peace. Through her gentle spirit and unwavering trust in God, Bakhita shows us that true freedom is found not in circumstances, but in belonging to God. A Childhood Marked by Suffering Saint Josephine Bakhita was born around 1869 in Darfur, Sudan. As a young girl, she was kidnapped by slave traders and sold multiple times. She endured years of cruelty, abuse, and humiliation—so traumatic that she even forgot her birth name. The name Bakhita, meaning “the fortunate one,” was given to her by her captors. Yet in the midst of suffering, God was quietly preparing her heart. Reflection: God’s grace can reach us even in the darkest places. Discovering the God Who Loves Bakhita was eventually brought to Italy, where she encount...
Read more

A Divided Heart or a Humble Faith?

By -
Image
  A Divided Heart or a Humble Faith? Readings: First Reading  - 1 Kings 11:4–13 Responsorial Psalm -- Psalm 106:3–4. 35–37. 40 Alleluia  - James 1:21 Gospel Reading   - Mark 7:24–30 Today’s readings place before us a powerful contrast: a king with a divided heart and a foreign woman with unwavering faith. Through their stories, we are invited to examine our own hearts. When the Heart Drifts In 1 Kings 11 , we see the tragic turning point of Solomon’s life. The man who once asked God for wisdom slowly allows his heart to be led astray. Influenced by foreign alliances and attachments, he begins to worship other gods. Scripture says plainly: “His heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God.” This is sobering. Solomon did not reject God overnight. His fall began gradually—with compromises, divided loyalties, and subtle shifts in devotion. Psalm 106 echoes this warning. The people “mingled with the nations and learned to do as they did.” They adopted prac...
Read more

Hearts That Truly Dwell With God: Beyond Words and Rituals

By -
Image
  Hearts That Truly Dwell With God: Beyond Words and Rituals Readings: First Reading - 1 Kings 8:22–23. 27–30 Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 84:3–5. 10–11 Alleluia - Psalm 119:36a, 29b Gospel Reading - Mark 7:1–13 Today’s readings invite us to look honestly at our relationship with God—not just at what we say or do outwardly, but at where our hearts truly rest. A God Who Cannot Be Contained In 1 Kings 8 , Solomon stands before the altar and prays a profound prayer of humility. Though he has just completed the magnificent Temple, he acknowledges a deep truth: “Will God really dwell on earth? The heavens cannot contain You, much less this house I have built.” Solomon understands that buildings, rituals, and sacrifices—even sacred ones—are never enough on their own. What God desires most is a listening heart. Solomon asks that God hear the prayers offered toward this place, not because the Temple limits God, but because it becomes a meeting point between heaven and earth. Where ...
Read more