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by Rev. Fr. V.V. Paulose, Toronto, Canada
"It is stupid and embarrassing to give answers before you listen." (Proverbs 18:13)
Have you ever felt that others do not understand
you?
St. Francis of Assisi asked God to help him to “seek first to understand, then
to be understood. The best way of communication is to understand others before
you are understood. “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in
airing his own opinion” (Proverbs 18:2). Effective listening is the number one
communication skill requisite to success in your professional and personal life.
Dr. James Lynch, Co-Director of the Psycho Physiological Clinic and Laboratories
at the University of Maryland has documented that actual healing of the
cardio-vascular system takes place when we listen. Blood pressure rises when
people speak, and lowers when they listen. He concluded that, "Listening is
essential for good health."
A man goes to the doctor and says, “Doc, my wife’s hearing is not good as it
used to be. What should I do?” The doctor replied, "Here is the test - when your
wife is in the kitchen, stand behind 15 feet of her and ask a question. If she
does not respond, keep moving closer asking the same question until she hears
you."
He goes home and stands behind 15 feet of his wife and asks, "Honey, what is for dinner?"
There was no response. So he moves closer, "Honey, what's for dinner?"
Still no response. So he steps even closer, "Honey, what's for dinner?"
No reply. Now he’s standing directly behind her,
"Honey, what‘s for dinner?”
"For the fourth time, I said Chicken."
"My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get
angry" (James 1:19).
Jesus, let us listen and follow your scriptures.
Let us understand others. Let us be a good listener to our family members, our
neighbors, friends, and our enemies. Control our tongues when we are distressed
and angered. Let us sow the seeds of peace from our mouth. All we ask in the
name of Jesus.
Amen.
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