Hearing and listening are two different things. Even in our human relationships, people can hear what we are saying, but are they really listening? This is true with God as well. We hear God’s word as it comes to us through Sacred Scripture, but are we really listening to it? Listening requires a good dose of humility and openness to the one who is speaking. It requires that we free up some of our personal space so that we can be available and receptive to another person and to God. Listening does not require the use of words. We can listen to God through art, creation, the unfolding of life, and the human story. Truly listening to God provides us with the direction of where we need to go, how we are to live, what we are to choose, and what we must avoid. Listening prepares and anchors us. Are you listening?