Listening for the voice

When we listen to a person's voice we have a way of memorising not just what they say but how they say it. This familiarity allows us to distinguish between voices even when they have a similar intonation. This ability to differentiate between voices allows us to become attuned to that person's voice and to know when we should pay attention to what they are saying. This is also a learnt obedience that we can observe when someone is giving us instructions that when the person speaks, we listen. This may be our regular day life when we hear the familiar tone of the news which draws our attention to what follows. When we hear an announcement made at a railway station or airport. When someone calls us from the other room or even when we go to a lecture to hear a person speaks. 

Yet we know how easy it is also to tune down on what some people say to us. It is almost as though we have a mute button or a damping switch which lessens the intensity of what is being spoken. We can hear the noise but it is in the background and does not grab our attention or hold our interest. 

Yet the voice that Jesus speaks seeks to form us into one Body deeply in relationship with the Father. Sometimes, it can seem that we are in a way separated from God and it is only in listening that we are brought back together. The truth, however, is that our ability to recognise and respond to the voice of God is innate within our being even when we have tried to lessen its impact on our lives. It is not a separate part of us but rather a way of integrating who we are called to be. To be attentive, aware and awake to how that moves us into an ever-deepening relationship. By daily attending to that inner voice and becoming familiar with how God communicates with us. God seeks for us to discover his indwelling presence which draws us into closer union. By listening for the voice of the Good Shepherd we are drawn together as one for our good and the good of all creation.