

On the question of relating to our fellowman – our neighbor’s spiritual need transcends every commandment. Everything else we do is a means to an end. But love is an end already, since God is love.Being Attentive to Others St. Teresa Benedicta’s quote is something to ponder because it includes the two greatest commandments of God. These commandments are about loving God and loving our neighbor. Being a good listener to others is an excellent way to attend to another’s spiritual needs. St. Teresa makes it a point to say “everything else we do is a means to an end.” God is love. When we take the time to attend to the needs of those placed in our path, we are loving them. As simple as this sounds, it is profound. It is not always easy to exercise virtue in this way, but through the gift of the Holy Spirit, it can be accomplished. The Holy Spirit is with us always, even though we may have moments when we don’t feel God’s presence. In our day-to-day lives, connecting with God can be a simple as stopping to think before speaking or acting. This is when we call on God and ask Him to guide our path, our speech, and behaviors. Although our good behavior may seem to come straight from ourselves, it is truly God’s grace that keeps us on the virtuous path. Another step toward listening to the Holy Spirit is in our dialogue with people. We know that since God is the Author of life, there isn’t a person who meets us whom God is not aware of. God gives all of us opportunities to be attentive to people in each moment that occurs.

Stay where you are. Find your own Calcutta. Find the sick, the suffering, the lonely right there where you are – in your own homes and in your own families, in your workplaces, and in your schools. You can find Calcutta all over the world if you have the eyes to see. Everywhere, wherever you go, you will find people who are unwanted, unloved, uncared for, just rejected by society – completely forgotten, completely left alone.Pope Francis and Mercy Another great example of mercy and of listening to others is Pope Francis. Not only by his words does he display the mercy of God and of listening to the Holy Spirit, he also shows this mercy through gestures, his smile, and open dialogue with all people. He has made himself available as Jesus did to listen to those who agreed with him and those who did not. In this way, the Holy Father is a good example for us on becoming a person of open dialogue with others. Pope Francis made the following statement in his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”):
God does not hide himself from those who seek him with a sincere heart, even though they do so tentatively, in a vague and haphazard manner.Even though many are lost on the journey of faith, “God does not hide himself.” When our eyes and ears are open, we can be attentive enough to help a friend in need of counsel. It is a sacrificial gift from God. Through the working of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, we can follow God’s promptings and learn to listen better. We may not have all the answers, but the love we give may be the answer that person needs. Be blessed in our Lord Jesus Christ and stay encouraged in your faith-walk!
Copyright 2019 Anne DeSantis
About the Author

Anne DeSantis
Anne DeSantis, ThD, is a Catholic author and speaker from the Greater Philadelphia area, and the Executive Director of the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family and Faith. To learn more about Dr. Anne DeSantis, visit AnneDeSantis.com.
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