Lent is a Time to Listen
Members of the Order of Malta Philippines reflected on the word “listen” during the spiritual formation held last March 8, 2018, at Dasmariñas Village, Makati City.
Father Genaro “Genie” Diwa, conventual chaplain ad honorem celebrated the Mass for the members. In his homily, Fr. Genie recalled the common proverb of God giving us two eyes, two ears, and only one mouth so that we could see more, listen more and talk less.
“But we live our lives as if our faces are all mouths,” joked Fr. Genie.
Fr. Genie then counseled the members to take heed of the responsorial psalm: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” For Fr. Genie, this means the reason why many of us are unable to hear God’s message is because we listen only with our ears and not with our hearts.
Fr. Genie also shared how listening is a sign of humility.
“A proud man does not listen because he values only himself that’s why he has no space for others in his heart. Only a humble person can truly listen. In a way, listening is a form of dying to ourselves. That is why we cannot love without listening,” said Fr. Genie.
At the end of his message, Fr. Genie challenged the members to listen as a way of observing Lent saying, “when we listen to God with our hearts, we know we are on our way to salvation.”
The spiritual formation sessions of the members of the Order of Malta Philippines dates back to 1948 during the establishment of the Order in the country. A more intensive and regular spiritual formation started in 2007 upon the advice of Magistral Chaplains Msgr. Lo and Fr. Genaro Diwa. Through the activity, the Knights and Dames are expected to appreciate their membership in the Order as a means of sanctification and spiritual revitalization.
The next Spiritual Formation is scheduled on April 12, 2018.
