Psalm 116:1-2
I love the LORD, because he has heard
my voice and my supplications.
Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live. :
Reflection
I often find myself wishing I could listen to someone and respond to them all at the same time, without having to wait for them to stop talking! Justice-seekers are particularly prone to this, as we tend to have strong opinions on a variety of topics and enjoy lively debate. However, there is always ‘a time to be silent and a time to speak’ (Ecclesiastes 3:7b). In other words, ears open and mouths quiet. As the Church addresses rising political extremism and racism, are we listening to, empowering, and working alongside those with lived experience?
The responsibility to adopt a model of contemplative listening, demonstrating the openness of our ears and the quiet of our mouths, falls on all our shoulders. To be a church with, of and for the marginalised, those who suffer must trust the church in order to be the Church.
This step requires a discipline of listening. The URC’s Apology and Confession for the Transatlantic Slave Trade places much emphasis on hearing the pain of siblings hurt in the past and present and looks to God’s call in this Kairos moment – this moment of God breaking through –- to recognise harm. The Legacies of Slavery process modelled listening through pilgrimage to the Caribbean church. Let’s learn from this vital example to embed the discipline of genuine listening. That way, we can build real relationships that unlock pathways to futures of justice and peace.
Prayer
God, Lord and servant of all,
thank you for turning your ear to listen to us.
Help us follow your example
of compassionate listening.
May we be a Church enriched by those
with lived experience of marginalisation.
May we be patient in listening,
with hearts open to new perspectives.
Disturb us from our preconceptions
and keep us on our toes
as we dialogue authentically with one another,
recognising the face of Christ in all. Amen