Listening

16 February 2013

On Thursday Pope Benedict XVI met with the clergy of Rome.  He spoke extemporaneously about Vatican II for 45 min like we would talk about our hometown:  remember before there weren't very many stoplights in Lebanon and going to the Motor Vue drive in for movies for $6 and the good food at the Hasty Freeze or getting a big gulp at 7-11?  

You can learn much about Vatican II from this little talk.  Such a clear, lucid, insightful presentation shows the Pope's profound ability to listen.  Going over and over experiences and writing so as to become familiar and intimate with a thought or concept in order to pass it on to others coherently.

Lately the Pope has been reflecting a lot on Peter (talk to seminarians 9 Feb 2013 and Angelus 10 Feb 2013.  A hint that his decision is very deliberate, considered, full of humility and trust in the Holy Spirit.  Being a good listener helps make a good understand-er.