Ex. 16:1-5, 9-15 | Ps. 78:18-19, 23-28 | Mt.13:1-9

Today's Gospel calls us to use our gifts fully. At first reading we might get caught up with the phrase: “Whoever has ears ought to hear." All of us, at one time or another, have been in conversation with others when we knew that the person was not using his/her ears to hear us. Rather they were ten thousand miles away from hearing us. We also have to admit that we have been in the same position ourselves. Jesus is speaking to all of us. When we are listening to the Word of God, do we listen with open ears or are we ten thousand miles away? If we are to be Jesus' followers, disciples today, then we need to do all we can to be sure that we are fully listening to the Word of God spoken to us each day.

Take time today to examine your listening skills. How well do you listen to others? How well do you listen at Mass, to the reading, homily, and prayers of the Mass? Where do you need to improve? Begin to do so today.