When it comes to feeding more sheep, actively engaging our faith in love for the sake of our neighbors, there can arise a distinct and unhelpful bias. Thinking about mission in our communities often leads to the notion that we must do something, typically something extra-ordinary: solve hunger, rebuild devastated neighborhoods, travel halfway across the world. These motivations are well and good, but most of us won’t do these things daily. Are there “common” practices useful for feeding more sheep?
One that I’ve been challenging myself with recently is the gift of listening. That’s right, sitting back and hearing another person with compassion, as Jesus models toward Nicodemus, the Centurion, and the dejected travelers to Damascus. Listening communicates to others that we value them, their time, and their experiences. On my best days, I’d like to think I have a penchant for listening, but the gift has become quite relevant of late. Listening – not some weeks ago – to the intermediate stories and faith-journey of a friend with whom I had been estranged for several years. Listening with an open heart as tensions rise in a difficult and trying family situation. Listening to the joys of a friend whose post-high school life and future seems – Lord willing – to be coming together.
There’s much to be said for opening our ears. Besides, if we do not listen, how will we know the needs of those whom we are called to feed?
February 27, 2026
