Recently I heard a blind man being interviewed on the radio. Despite his blindness he had travelled to many different places all over the world. In his travels he learned to recognise and appreciate places by their sounds just as sighted people recognise places they visit by characteristic landmarks or scenes they may have seen on films or on T.V. Each place has its own distinctive sounds for those who have ears to hear.

On several occasions Jesus' disciples and friends did not recognise him when he returned to them after his resurrection. He looked different. At first they couldn't "see" who he was. When he spoke, however, it was different. Was this because Jesus could not hide or disguise his characteritsic tone of voice? Did the affection and concern he had for Mary come out so clearly that she could not fail to recognise him?

Somewhat similarly Peter's words, his voice, his tone made such an impression on his listeners that they were "cut to the heart". They asked him what they should do. He said "Repent and be baptised". Many of them were baptised in response to what they had heard. Peter and his fellow disciples looked very ordinary but Acts tells us that when they spoke things happened. Their hearers reacted and did something. They must have had ears that hear and listening hearts.