Just Listen!

Carol Sbordon Bannon considers how we put off listening to God, noting that lately, more people seem to be reaping the fruit of listening. 

A few months ago, one of my grandsons came dangerously close to not graduating from high school. Despite repeated warnings from teachers and relentless hounding from his mother, he refused to turn in his work. Week after week, he ignored them all.

“Nothing to worry about,” he kept saying, convinced there was plenty of time.

“Why isn't he listening to me, Mom?” my daughter would cry.

As much as I sympathized, I recognized the pattern. Growing up, her own attitude could best be summed up as "there is always tomorrow." And, just as I predicted based on my experiences raising her, reality finally did set in for my grandson. He realized those missing assignments meant he would not walk at graduation and his diploma would be delayed. After a frantic, last-minute effort, he completed the work and graduated on time.

As relieved as we all were, I couldn't help but think about how often we behave the same way with God. If we truly pay attention, we can hear Him speaking to us, trying to guide us where He wants us to go. Yet too often, we delay, ignore, or convince ourselves that there is always more time.

Listening is a Skill

Our willingness to listen to one another seems to be diminishing. Is it because of the constant noise surrounding us? Are our minds overwhelmed by competing messages and endless distractions? Or is it because, deep down, we are hearing something we simply do not want to do? Whatever the reason, we must do better.

Sixteen years ago, journalist Leonard Pitts Jr. asked his audience a poignant question: "Whatever happened to that quaint relic called civility?"

The definition is simple: Civility is the act of showing respect toward others, displaying the ability to engage thoughtfully, listen actively, and disagree without degrading another person’s dignity. In other words, it encompasses the very attributes Christ taught — and continues to teach — through His Word.

But practicing civility today is far from simple. Many seem to actively enjoy escalating division rather than encouraging understanding. So, what happened to turn civility into a quaint relic?

In John 13:15, Jesus tells us:

"I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do."

This was not a suggestion, but His command. Is no one listening anymore?

We want our children to respect others, and they learn the Greatest Commandment early in life: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” (John 13:34). Arguing, shouting, and dismissing others' feelings is not how God treats us, nor is it how He wants us to treat each other.

Yet, modern communication has been reduced to sound bites, slogans, memes, and 30-second videos. Language has become increasingly coarse, and vulgarity is often praised rather than frowned upon. Far too many influencers — their social media friends, gamers, entertainers, and songwriters — prioritize notoriety, popularity, and online engagement over setting a positive example. Our culture is forcing people to listen to the very things God warns us against.

Simply put, civility is the natural byproduct of living according to God's Word. When God is no longer at the center of the family, the family bond weakens. When He is removed from the center of a community, moral standards become difficult to sustain. And when God is crowded out of a nation, public civility inevitably decays.

Now is the Time to Truly Listen

Raising a Catholic family has undoubtedly become more challenging in a culture increasingly disconnected from God. Yet, despite these challenges, change is coming.

I see it in the churches I have attended throughout New England in recent months. Even our local news stations are broadcasting this trend. Young people/ families are filling the pews. They have a genuine desire to know God and understand His teachings. They are searching for something that social media, popular culture, and the endless noise of modern life cannot provide. They are searching for the peace that comes from hearing His voice — and finally listening.

So, my answer to Mr. Pitts remains this: Do not count civility dead just yet.

As we read in Jeremiah 1:19:

They will fight against you, but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you.

I believe that promise as firmly today as ever. Without a shadow of a doubt, I know that God's truth endures, and His Will shall be done.

People are listening!

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Copyright 2026 Carol Sbordon Bannon
Images: Canva