Hear My Voice

When I sit close to the front of church at morning Mass, I occasionally hear someone make a noise behind me. Without seeing them, I can often identify who is making the sound. Joan has a certain way to clear her throat. Donald coughs in a low soft tone. Pam has a prolonged throat clearing, as if she could go on and on. Lizzy has a rapid allergy cough, which seems to take her by surprise. Daniel unabashedly sneezes four times in a row. Without seeing my friends, I am comforted to know they are there.

Today’s Responsorial Psalm is “I am the Lord your God: hear my voice.“

How often do we recognize the presence of God throughout the day? In the bright yellow daffodil? Our spouse’s good morning kiss? The blue jay perched on a blooming tulip magnolia, offering beautiful juxtaposition of colors? A reflection written by our favorite author? In gratitude of morning’s first sip of coffee? A tug at the heart toward a loving solution? A friend’s throat utterances in church, signaling their presence?

This very moment, yes right now, knowing God is near?

Hear God’s voice! How do we recognize it?

Hint: it’s always loving.