Selective
Hearing
From today's readings: "You shall
say to them: Thus says the LORD GOD! And whether they heed or resist-for they
are a rebellious house- they shall know that a prophet has been among them....
Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for His mercy.... My grace is
sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.... A prophet is not
without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own
house."
All parents have observed in their
children the phenomenon of "selective hearing." For, when the call
goes out, "Dessert time!" all the kids, no matter how far away, come
running immediately, because their sharp ears have picked up the good news. On
the other hand, if the announcement is "Time to get started on
chores!" or "Bedtime now!" it's amazing how often the message
simply fails to register, and if threatened with punishment for disobedience,
the child will protest, "I just didn't hear you!"