Monday After the Epiphany of Our Lord January 5, 2004 Scripture: 1 John 3:22-4:6; Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 Reflection: There is an awareness, a knowledge of the Father's heart that seems to spur an eternal mode of action in the heart of the Son. He is sensitive to the Father's heartbeat, he is wide open to wherever the Father leads, whatever the Father desires. Sometimes I am so preoccupied with "things" that need to be done "yesterday." There seems to be the constant struggle to maintain an inner place of quiet presence and availability, where I can hear, when I can be sensitive to the Father's heartbeat. How often Jesus says, "Those who have ears listen." Listen! It stops me in my tracks every time those words come to my mind. It seems perhaps if I were to rewrite that sentence, I would say, "Those who have heart, listen." Listen! Read the loneliness, the boredom, the sense of worthlessness in those around me and respond to it. Sometimes the only response is a smile, and that's enough to be able to see not only the suffering but also the resurrection in others. Suggested Action: Pray: Speak, O Spirit of Love, that I might hear with my heart. Continue to draw me to a greater degree of ability to read the signs in my life on a daily basis and respond to them. Sr. Patricia Fedele, IHM Carbondale, Pennsylvania