Many people hear the gospel with their ears, but far fewer hear it with their hearts. When we hear the Word with our hearts, our lives are transformed. Faith is deepened, love abounds, and hope pulls us onward to God's kingdom. How do we listen with our hearts? Through savouring the words and meditating on them, and being sure, they also put them into action each day. The Word of God is meant to give us life and set our hearts on fire.

When word got out that Jesus was a healer, desperate crowds gathered outside his door. Jesus could have spent the rest of his life in that village, tending to their needs. That would have been good work, but that was not to be. He spent a long night in prayer, and then he informed his companions that they were moving on. His mission was to take the good news to the other towns, which he was going to do. He had to remain focused on his mission and not be distracted. Our ethical decisions are seldom between good and evil, but between two choices that are good. We must choose that is in harmony with our highest spiritual ideals and the one that will bring the greatest good to the most people. Seeking the greater good should be our guide.