Do you think of the speed of sound often? 

When approaching a crowded place, all you hear is a murmur of people talking.  There are different conversations going on in between the groups of people, but it’s hard to make out the individual conversations from a distance.  Once you enter into the midst of the commotion, then you can make out the different conversation happening around you.  Unfortunately, sometimes that means you are in a coffee shop and it’s impossible to focus because you are too close to a guy who is into too much detail about his real estate portfolio.  

Sound has a way of captivating the mind and producing an experience unlike any other.  Our ability to hear these sounds adds to our experience of whatever we are doing and it can completely change the way we remember a moment.  This is why people pay more money to sit closer to the court at a basketball game, the stage at a Broadway show, or the main attraction at any other event.  Being able to hear the sounds of those playing the game or the transitions that happen at the show.  It allows us to enter into the minds of those who are apart of the show.  

It’s also a huge reason WHY people want to be at the event.  They want to be a part of the crowd, hear the uproar when something magnificent happens, and wait in silence in anticipation for the next move.  Imagine the sounds of the Roman Colosseum in its heyday and the crowds of people shouting in sheer excitement to see the gladiator.  

It traces back centuries that humans have been longing to be close to the action.  It’s physics: the closer we are to an approaching sound, the louder it is.  As it moves past us and becomes more distant, it fades away. 

Picture the mythical Greek sailors who would be lost at sea when they heard the beautiful song of the sirens.  These poor, lonely sailors would be lured in by enchanting women singing lovely tunes only to be brought to shipwreck and disaster.  This was a real fear for the ancients!  Sound can be our source of excitement and our downfall.  Imagine the sounds that annoy you most.  The baby who is crying in a silent room, the loud music our neighbor plays, the man who is whispering in church when we are trying to pray.  The closer we are, the more distracting they are to us.  And it can be oh so frustrating.

Not only is the sound important, but the way in which the sound is portrayed to us.  Musical artists spend so much time performing and re-performing to record the perfect vocals for each song that they put out.  In an attempt to make sure the listener has a better experience when they hear that song for the first.  Think about that…. That would be exhausting and could be an ongoing rabbit hole that one never comes out of.  

I’m a HUGE hip hop head and I have spent years of my life diving into the stories of my favorite musical artists.  All the different sounds add layers to the melody that make you wonder “why did they choose this sound?” or “why did they use that inflection?”  It also tells the story of the person creating the music and what they enjoy; who they are.

Not only is the content behind the story important, but also the way in which it is told.  Stories have been passed on for generations and there is something so captivating in the art of a good story teller.  Great musical artists are recognized for the ability to put the listener into the shoes of another person and experience the emotions that the artist or the main character of the story is feeling.

Now, here is the big question:  How do we hear God?

It’s pretty tough, huh?  Not as easy as it seems in the Bible.  But everyone wants to know the answer to that question.  It’s not as if he comes down and whispers into our ear what he wants us to do next.  Reading through Genesis, it is easy to become envious of the characters in a way because God is constantly coming down to tell them what to do next.

The apostles had the chance to walk with God…. Literally.  Day in and day out, they were witnessing miracles and recording them, listening to His teachings.  These are invaluable experiences and ones that have given life to the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church.

In order for us to hear God, the answer is simple:  Stay close to Him!  

But what does that mean?  We must listen in a way that is not worldly, much different than we have ever listened before.  These sounds are heard by our soul, not through our ears.  Sitting with our Lord in prayer time daily is essential.  Everyone should be striving for 20 minutes of prayer each day.  Some days may not go as planned, but like anything else, if you keep showing up and applying yourself, you will see improvement.

“I don’t even know how to begin praying.  It’s just too difficult.”  This is not a good objection to praying and this does not give you a free pass.  Spend time knowing God through what He has revealed to us in the Bible.  God is your friend and, like all friendships, time must be spent getting to know one another for it to be successful.  Start with this and then see how God is revealing Himself throughout the day.  Allowing His word to sink into us and have an impact on our motives changes how we respond to daily situations.  Soon, things that once brought us joy, no longer seem comparable to the joy that we experience when we are close to Him. 

“‘For wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there am I, in their midst.’” (Mt 18:20).  We experience God through our neighbors; we are all made in His image.  Creating communities that build up each other, rather than tear down, can become strongholds for our being.  When we see the good in our neighbor, it allows us to enter into a deeper relationship than if we are only to use them for a purpose.  Long lasting friendships happen when we will the good of another.  And often times, friendships that fall short are missing this between one of the parties. 

Sacrifice is a way to will the good for God and neighbor.  In an oxymoronic way, sacrificing what is pleasurable actually makes whatever item it is that much more pleasurable when we allow ourselves to enjoy it.  This happens every lent, but we can sacrifice more often as an act of penance for God or for your neighbor to enter into their sufferings and, in hopes, to take suffering away from them by uniting our suffering to Christ.

Lastly, the best way to grow close with God is by frequenting the sacraments.  SUNDAY MASS IS THE BARE MINIMUM.  Making an effort to go to daily mass once or twice throughout the week will do wonders for your spiritual life.  And as scary it is, a consistent confession (say every two weeks or once a month) will help you see the patterns that happen in your life.  This will also build up sacramental grace that will help you avoid whatever sin you’re struggling with the most!  Exposing myself to the blessed sacrament allows me to enter the mystery that is the sacrifice of Christ.  I’m going to tell on myself that I don’t visit adoration enough so maybe telling everyone will encourage me to go more often…  

Striving after God is a process, one that takes time.  Be patient and have mercy on yourself (God taught us that one.)  It can be easy to be hard on ourselves and not see the fruit that it is producing.  But trust in the Lord that He will provide, just as Abraham did on the mountain.  The closer you sit to Him, the louder His roar.

Do what you would do if you were at God’s concert.  Push through the crowd to make it to the front and then do anything you can to stay there. 

I promise the tune of your life will change.