Becoming a Master Listener

Over the years, the children of several of my friends have learned to play the violin using the Suzuki method, which entails listening to notes and imitating them. It is interesting that according to the October 17, 2020, issue of The Writer’s Almanac, “Suzuki felt strongly that he was not just tutoring musicians, but nurturing souls, and he encouraged his students to listen to other people as carefully as they listened to the notes on their violins.”

St. Benedict said to “Listen and incline the ear of your heart,” so I believe he would wholeheartedly endorse Suzuki’s method of instruction. We can use the Suzuki method ourselves to become master listeners by imitating how carefully God listens to us.

We forget sometimes how closely God pays attention to us. However, as Psalm 139 reminds us, “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me; you understand my thoughts from afar; with all my ways you are familiar.” Apparently God listens to us very carefully, even when we are not aware of it.

To be listened to is to be known and affirmed. We can offer this gift to others, as God offers it to us. The next time you listen to a beautiful piece of music, may it call you to listen to others with the same level of attention. Listening attentively is a way we can be holy as God is holy.