Who is listening?
By training and practice Spiritual Directors/Companions are to be holy listeners. We are to listen to human loneliness, hopes, and yearnings. Also, listening to decern the sacred vision.
Have we as Spiritual Directors/Companions become so focused on the individual and private that we are not listening to the collective voices of our communities? A desperate communal cry is going unheard. The vast political divide forbids listening to those with whom we disagree. And what little “listening” for political allies is for viewpoint confirmation.
Who is listening to the communal voice? John Wesley listening the communal cry of his era – pain of meager working conditions, cries from debtors in prison, and prayers of the poor unheard in churches – providing a method to spiritual practice and foundation of being Methodist.
It seems that spiritual direction practitioners are neglecting the beloved community. Our listening must go beyond one on one listening, even listening in group spiritual direction. We must learn to listen to the communal voice of our time.
Listening to the communal voice must be incorporated in spiritual practice. To give voice to cries of suffering, loneliness and struggles of our communities. To be sure, institutional leaders hear this communal voice. Yes, are we not called to speak truth to power?
Opening up the aperture of the questions we ask our directee/companions is also a beginning. Are you active in a faith community? Does your spiritual practice include service for others? Do you sense being led to act on behalf of injustice?
We must not fall into the trap of focus on personal sin & holiness, while avoiding systemic, institutional injustice.
Are you listening?
Reflection by Bill Campbell a certified spiritual director and forest therapy guide, retired Elder in the UMC, and treasurer of HOF.
This reflection represents the view of the author.