God loves to communicate with us, and one of the ways is through other people; whether they are aware of it, or not. In today’s first reading we see God using this method to speak to Naaman – through the servant girl; through the messenger sent by prophet Eliseus; and through the servants who came with him. Naaman in his humility listened to those around him. He had the humility to allow himself to be persuaded by his servants, and God was able to do a miracle in his life. In the Gospel reading we see another group of people hearing Jesus speak, but all they saw was the carpenter’s son, a boy whose family they knew, who had grown up with them. They allowed their perceptions to blind them to who was standing among them. They could not hear the message that could have satisfied their needs. May we not let our perceptions cloud our judgement, but may our hearts be humble and open to listening to the still small voice of the Spirit as he speaks through those around us.

PRAYER: Abba Father, I know you are speaking to me though those around me. May I be open to hearing your voice. Amen.