Today’s reading from the prophet Jeremiah refers to Israel as the nation that does not listen. Not listening or listening to the wrong voice has been the foundation of humanity’s disobedience since the time of Adam and Eve. The very verb “to obey” has its etymology in the word “to hear,” making someone who obeys someone who hears and acts. Jesuits, since the time of Ignatius, have talked about “discernment” and this action indicates those skills that help us choose the right voice. Traditional Catholic writers have always noted the power of the senses and the important role hearing and seeing have in the formation of our daily lives. During this time of lent, we should take a few moments out of our busy schedule and ask ourselves about the persons to whom we listen.