Some years ago, our new assistant priest, Father Mario, made a hospital visit to a Jamaican woman who was not recovering well from surgery. He paid his visit at night, when things were quiet. Days had passed since this woman’s surgery, and she still had no appetite. As they talked about their respective homes—Jamaica for her and Cuba for him—he asked what her family would be bringing her to eat if she were home. She said, “Fresh oranges.” He said, “Wait for me. I’ll be back.”

Father Mario drove to a grocery store and purchased six oranges and a knife. Back in her hospital room, he peeled the oranges and described how his grandfather in Cuba taught him to peel oranges without tearing the membrane. Father Mario listened to her—and the woman began to recover. She ate two oranges that night and had a supply for the next day.

When we take the time to listen deeply, being sensitive to what a hurting person is saying or not saying, we may find that we are able to soothe broken bodies and broken hearts. God has given us to each other just for this reason.

MOVING FORWARD: Who has listened to you deeply and helped set you free? Write them a note or give them a call and offer your thanks.