Photo by Bryan Arcangel/ THE FLAME
UNIVERSITY OF Santo Tomas Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. urged Catholics to rediscover the value of listening despite a growing culture of constant commentaries and digital distractions shaped by social media.
In a homily delivered during the enthronement of the image of Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario, Ang lamented that the digital age is gradually weakening people’s ability to listen and is affecting their faith, relationships and ability to respond to God’s call.
“It’s upsetting when you think about how the digital age’s listening skills slowly regress,” Ang said on Thursday, Sept. 24, at the UST Santisimo Rosario Parish.
Ang noted that people remain fixated on their mobile devices even when they are expected to socially engage with others, such as during meals and meetings.
He recalled an experience with a fellow priest who had difficulty hearing because of a hearing aid incident. The experience taught him that people need to be primarily heard before they can be understood and appreciated.
“You know, my dear friends — listening is [a] near-loss art. It requires spirit over ego, others over the self,” Ang said.
The rector then connected this act to Mary, whom he presented as a model of listening and discipleship.
Ang recalled how the Blessed Mother received God’s word with an open heart, kept it tucked, and responded to His call through her life. The act showed that her blessedness was rooted in her willingness to follow God, he added.
“Before Mary was mother, she was first a disciple. And spiritual discipleship is a greater blessing than physical motherhood,” Ang said.
Ang noted that there are people who struggle to make decisions because of fear, uncertainty, or overwhelming choices, but such an indecision may allow opportunities to pass.
“There are people who find it hard to make decisions due to hesitations. Are they afraid to make mistakes? Are there too many options that’s why they’re confused? [I]ndecision will only let opportunities slip by,” he said.
In contrast, Mary responded to God with a firm decision to align her life with His plan despite the uncertainty and difficulties ahead.
“They said, the greatest tragedy is the tragedy of missed opportunities. When Mary decided, she was sure and convinced in her decision,” he added.
Ang also reminded Catholics that discipleship requires both trust and obedience, urging them to make sure their plans align with God’s intended goal. He emphasized that listening should lead to action, as Mary’s life demonstrated the interconnectedness of receiving God’s word, trusting His plan, and living with it.
The Enthronement Mass marks the start of the parish’s celebration of the feast of the Nuestra Señora del Santisimo, the patroness of UST. F – Marcus Roshaun Holman
