God's voice calls for a heart of grace

August 5, 2007 -- 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Bishop Robert Morneau

	Bishop Robert Morneau
	Questions for reflection: 1. What is the texture of your heart? 2. How does He speak to you? What is the message? 3. Is the demon of futility part of your personal household?

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts" (Ps. 95:7b-8a).

That is one big "IF"! So much depends upon our hearts being disposed to hear and embrace whatever God asks of us. One of the great tragedies in life is to have hardness of heart. It leads not only to cardiac arrest but to other consequences of eternal significance.

God speaks to us today through the book of Ecclesiastes. It's all about living a life of futility if we get caught up merely in the activities of this world. We are made for more than prosperity, power, and pleasure. Our destiny is to share in the very life of God, both now through the life of grace, and for eternity, through the salvation won for us in Christ.

Is all vanity? Is all futility? Does anything last? Is all emptiness? If so, why get up in the morning? A psychologist, reading this passage from Ecclesiastes, would probably conclude that the author is thoroughly depressed and is in need of immediate medical attention. But there's another interpretation. Unless our toil and labor, unless our misfortunes and griefs are placed in the context of God's loving design, all does seem to be vain. But if we have faith, then every word and deed has power to draw us closer to God and one another. Vanity is experienced when ultimate meaning is lost.

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

St. Paul heard God's voice. And the word heard was the Word, Jesus Christ. Because of his relationship with the Lord, a hidden, deep, vibrant relationship, St. Paul boldly proclaimed the life of discipleship. Paul probably did not have the word "vanity" in his vocabulary. This apostle to the Gentiles realized that everything had meaning, for good or ill. Thus He urged the Colossians (and us) to be intent and concerned about the things beyond time and space. He warns us that such things as fornication, evil desires and lust are attitudes and behaviors that bring death to body and soul. These are matters of the heart and are to be taken seriously.

St. Paul not only heard but He followed the truths communicated to him. His heart was open and responsive. He welcomed Christ and others into his life and refused to allow differences - Jew or Greek, slave or freeman - to stand in the way of the union and unity that was the mission of Christ. St. Paul's heart was of the right texture and it was gifted with the grace of discernment.

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

Jesus' word is clear: "Avoid greed!" Here is the vanity of vanities. The spirit of acquisitiveness is incredibly strong. There is never enough money, pleasure, power, or prestige. The unredeemed heart cries out: "More, more, more!" It fails to realize that there is a hole in the bucket and nothing but being submerged in the ocean of grace can bring peace and satisfaction. All else is vanity.

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart." Our opening prayer for today's liturgy captures our desire: "Our life is your gift. Guide our life's journey for only your love makes us whole. Keep us strong in your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord."

(Bp. Morneau is the auxiliary bishop of the Green Bay Diocese and pastor of Resurrection Parish in Allouez.)