"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts." This oft-quoted, loosely translated verse from the Book of Psalms has long been one of my favorites. In today's liturgy it is the responsorial psalm: we are called upon to recite it three times.

Another translation (as found in the Jerusalem Bible) reads: "If only you would listen to him today, 'Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness. . .'" (Massah was known as the place of testing or temptation; Meribah as the place of arguing or dispute.) The psalmist reminds us that the Israelites had witnessed God's wondrous deeds for at least 40 years but still they doubted him and asked for more evidence of his love and care for them. They were never satisfied.

Whenever I read or hear this verse, I wonder how I would have reacted had I been an Israelite in Old Testament times. But rather than speculating on what my past behaviors might have been, I ask myself: am I open to hearing God's voice in my life right now?

Do I spend enough time listening in silence, trying to hear God's word for me? Any time at all? "Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:11) Or am I doing all the talking and usually telling God what he can do for me?

This in spite of all the blessings I have received from him.

Do I listen to the readings at Mass, expecting there to be a message in them for me or do I simply note, "How extraordinary!" or "Oh yes, I have heard that one before!"

And how do I listen to the homily, which no doubt was prepared with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit? Do I entertain the possibility that the homilist is speaking directly to me on God's behalf? One thing is certain: I know I have a list of things I do not want God to call me to do. I have hardened my heart as the Israelites did at Meribah.

But I have not lost hope. God keeps trying to reach me. He will never give up on me, will always forgive me, love me, and call me to himself.

I know that his love is unconditional, for me and for you.

Pray that my heart and yours will be open to his call.