Here is our Old Testament reading, from Isaiah: “Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labour for that which does not satisfy? Hearken diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in fatness. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.’ (Isaiah 55:1-3)

‘Hear, that your soul may live …’ ‘These words recall instantly the opening words of the Rule of Our Holy Father St Benedict: ‘Listen, my son …’ (Rule of St Benedict, Prologue 1), and further back in history, from Psalm 45: ‘Hear, O daughter, consider, and incline your ear …’ Psalm 45:10)

Let us, today, pray for the grace to be ready and open to God, to listen with the ear of the heart, that we may live; and may He bless you this day.