by David James Vargas and Dianne Fajutagana, OD Junior Staffers
Rev. Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P from the National Shrine of Rosary of La Naval de Manila reminded Dominicans on the importance of listening as an "act of affection and love," in today's busy world as he presided over the 7th day of SDA's 28th Family Rosary Crusade which is also the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.
Fr. Dagohoy, related the story of Martha and Maria to the new generation in which most people are "busy" and anxious in doing a lot of things, a word he later elaborated as people are always on their gadgets.
"Mas busy kayo [digital natives] kaysa sa aming matatanda" (You digital natives are busier than us older people). There's nothing wrong with being busy. In fact, ayaw natin sa tamad (We don't like laziness)," he said.
In addition, he said that although Jesus always reminded the disciples to always be of service to others. Jesus disliked Martha being busy cooking, preparing, and cleaning because working oneself without a purpose for our fellowmen is nowhere near as appreciated as simply lending an ear for those who speak, Fr. Dagohoy O.P clarified.
Furthermore, he said that when people listen, the person who speaks is magnified. The one who speaks become bigger and larger than the people who listen.
"'Pag di kayo marunong makinig, ang pinalalaki niyo ay ang inyong mga ego, ‘di ang inyong mga tainga at 'di ang inyong mga puso (If you do not know how to listen, you feed your ego, not your ears and heart)."
Listening is a double-edged sword. Without it, a person's growth is compromised and with the help of it, people could learn and even strengthen their bond with their fellowmen and even God Himself. Speaking is always a counterpart of listening and for it to be effective, proper listening and timing are necessary. Without it, even if we are to say the right thing, our statement will be useless.
Teachers and parents often tell us to listen like Mary. The mass presider mentioned that Mary is the perfect epitome of someone who knows how to listen and obey.
He also also reminded the faithful to be "competent," which he described as knowing how to do the right things at the right time. He related the Homily mentioning St. Francis of Assisi who tells the faithful to preach and not necessarily use words because most of the time, it is more important to listen. #
David James Vargas and Dianne Fajutagana are OD Junior Staffers
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