For a moment I silence myself to listen to the sounds around me. I focus on what I can hear even in the silence. The hum of the central air or the light above my head. Those very faint sounds of the rain on the roof or even the fainter sound of traffic outside.
Just focusing my hearing and listening is preparing myself to listen to God in the next few moments. Actually stilling myself enough to listen.
Now I hear Jesus begin to say some of the sentences and phrases to me; sentences he said to other people in the gospels.
Today, he asks, "Who do you say I am?"
I don't say anything right away. Instead, I first let those words echo and resound in my ears enough times until I can notice my heart actually react to those words.
Then I try to listen to his words when I cannot hold back my response any longer.
It may be with only one word. I may be an easily repeated phrase. It may be in silence.
Then I go on to other phrases of Jesus in the gospels.
