Some of the people who come for breakfast or clothing at Morning Glory like to talk. A lot. It might be more accurate to say that many who come want someone to listen to them.

It's understandable. Living on the streets is a solitary life. At breakfast, few come in with a buddy; most come in alone. As social beings we need to feel connected to others, hence the need to talk and be listened to.

In the Gospel this weekend, Jesus visits two sisters, Martha and Mary. Mary sits and listens to Jesus, while Martha is getting ready to serve the meal. Martha complains that Mary isn't helping her. Jesus chides Martha by saying she worries too much. He says, "There is need of only one thing. And Mary has chosen it." Jesus is saying that "listening to God" is the one thing we need.

We live in an age of distractions. The cartoon captures how distracted we have become by constantly checking our phone screen, or some other screen. With such distractions, really listening to each other becomes more challenging.

If we have a hard time listening to each other, it will be even harder listening to God. To listen to God requires silence and no visual distractions. The more we listen to others, the easier it becomes to listen to God.

God and some of those who are homeless have at least one thing in common: both hunger to be heard.