St Xavier’s students told to listen to God, open your hearts

St Xavier’s Private School celebrated Mass on January 16, with new St Joseph parish priest Fr Alan Hall. Focusing on the day’s First Reading (1 Sam 16:1–13), Fr Hall implores our school community to pay attention to an important lesson: listening to God.

The homily was simple yet effective, engaging the youngest student as well as the most senior member of staff,  “Listen to God and obey Him.”

Father explained that sometimes in life, we might find ourselves doing our own thing if we do not listen to God. By “doing our own thing” we may offend God to the point that He may have to possibly put us aside and find someone else to take our place.

However, according to Father’s advice, if we learn to humble ourselves, listen and worship God, then we will be obeying His will. The reading also teaches us that God does not look at our appearances, He does not see as man sees. He looks at our heart.

Father reminded us that the physical appearance of someone, being well-spoken, well-dressed etc. are all external. God is only interested in what is happening inside our hearts.

“When we work with God, He will bless us. If God sees that we are genuinely interested in working with Him, He will bless every aspect of our lives.”

Father went on to say that we are called to be obedient just like David and our Blessed Mother. We are now challenged to not be like Saul. That we should forget about popularity and attention and try to humble ourselves to listen to God’s voice.

Thank you, Father, for the reminder as we start the new academic term that before God, we are to: humble ourselves, listen to Him and open our hearts. —Sabella Morris-Olivier