Social media and technology allow us to hear people’s voices, opinions, and thoughts at just a touch of a screen. We can talk to our best friends and family and hear them clearly from thousands of miles away. So if we can speak and talk to so many people so easily, why is it hard at times to hear God’s voice? 

Don’t Need An App

God’s voice can feel so far away but as Catholics we believe something pretty radical. We believe that the ability to hear God speak is not only possible, but that it’s built into our identity. When you are baptized you become a son or daughter of the Heavenly Father. This means that you are able to hear the Father’s voice as His child. God as a loving Father speaks with peace and love and we don’t need a smartphone, a Tik Tok account, or wifi to tune into it. 

A Great Connection

When listening to God’s voice, we have to remember that God is the perfect Father who listens and speaks with love. God speaks to build us up, not tear us down. Our heavenly Father is not silent, or short tempered, but patient, loving, and gives us some really great news through real and tangible ways. 

Not Just An Old Book

The Bible is the Word of God. God has inspired it and it is the “Good News” that we need in our daily lives. God who is all knowing also knew the exact moments in which you would encounter Scripture! God is speaking directly to you in real ways whenever you read or hear the Bible and we can ask these questions when praying with Scripture. What stands out to me from this passage? What is God speaking to me here? 

Message You Can See

Jesus gave us His Church and the Sacraments. So often we can look at Mass as a boring thing to get through and we can miss that the Sacraments are tangible gifts of God’s grace and love for us and that He is speaking clearly through them. We can intentionally listen to what God is speaking through the readings, homilies, prayers, and when we receive Jesus in the Eucharist. Every time we go to Mass, confession, a baptism, or a wedding, we can ask bravely Lord, what do you want me to know through your Church?

The Royal Family

Embracing our identity as beloved children of God also means recognizing that our brothers and sisters in faith can hear His voice as well! God speaks through your family, friends, Youth Minister, teachers, and mentors with messages of peace, truth, and love.

Thoughts Matter

Lastly, God speaks to you through your thoughts. Sometimes a random passage of Scripture might come to mind, an inspiration, an uplifting image, or a sense of peace. He speaks with a gentle, loving whisper and we can hear His voice clearly speaking into our daily thoughts and ideas. 

Good Fruit

In Scripture Christ tells us that we will know a tree by its fruit. When listening for God’s voice we have to remember that His words will never tear us down. He is the perfect, loving Father and speaks peace to His children. If what we receive is bad fruit, something negative, uncharitable, contradicting Scripture or the Church in any way, it is not from God. If we want feedback on what we are receiving in prayer we can turn to our Youth Minister, priests, or other spiritual mentors. 

Remember that God is longing to speak to you through His Word, Church, and His children. Invite Him in, remember your identity as the beloved, and hear the Good News and peace that our Heavenly Father is pouring out upon you each and every day! 

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Adam Cross is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #116623 in California and worked as a Youth Minister at his local parish for 8 years. Adam specializes in working with religious scrupulosity, OCD, anxiety, teens, young adults and pornography addiction. Adam loves to integrate the Catholic faith into his therapy practice as he is able to walk with others on their journey of healing towards Christ. Adam offers in person and tele-health sessions for those in the state of California.