Shine!

Lectionary: 449
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong, and other Korean martyrs

Today's readings focus on how to treat others, but I'm intrigued by Jesus' words, "Take care, then, how you hear." What do we hear?  In our world today, there is so much to hear, that much of it we tune out. Rarely do we really listen. Take my own kids, for instance. It takes effort to actually have a conversation without either me or them with our eyes on a screen, phone, book, or magazine? Am I really listening to my kids?
One more thing: Am I really listening to the gospel? Sure, I might hear it as I read my meditation each day. But do I listen? Listening implies a response after an assimilation of the information. Am I incorporating the gospel into my daily life? Am I light burning brightly, especially for my kids? The closing song in Mass on Sunday was, "Shine, Jesus Shine!" Comment on how you 'shine' brightly each day for your kids.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to shine for you! Help me to really hear your gospel and in turn live it, so that I will one day live on your holy mountain. In your precious name I pray, Amen. Sts. Andrew, Paul and all the Korean martyrs, pray for me.