by Adam S. McHugh
IVP, Downer’s Grove, Ill. 224 pages
This is a rich book of reflections by the author of “Introverts in the Church.” The subtitle describes the purpose: embracing attentiveness in a world of distraction. This is no small task since the invading world of distractions continues to gain more territory in our common life. It is increasingly rare that someone engages in conversation without a phone, Ipad or computer nearby. The distraction has become the world that we inhabit.
The author is intent on helping us recover the primal practice of listening. He asserts boldly, “throughout the Bible listening is the central act of the people of God.” And he goes on, “the centerpiece of Israel’s prayer life — the Shema — begins with the word ‘hear.’ From dawn until dusk, the lives of Jewish children are shaped by listening.” The same can be said for the disciples; they are formed by listening. As much as we assume otherwise, McHugh writes with the assumption that most of us are not good listeners. Drawing upon the first rule of St. Benedict he writes, “I want for us to put listening back where it belongs, at the beginning, in every aspect of life and faith.” We are currently awash in bombastic speech relentless and aggressive. This book is an essential antidote and a welcome aid to listen well — to God and to one another.
