Last weekend, we endured the coldest weather of the year so far, with temperatures being below zero on Sunday morning. It was bitterly cold.

Like most people, I dressed in layers that day, and I wore earmuffs to protect my ears from frostbite or developing an ear infection.

As I thought about it, I said to myself, “Earmuffs are a wonderful invention in safeguarding one’s ears, and they are really convenient to use”.

A side effect of using earmuffs is that much of the noise found in everyday life is noticeably reduced.

I then asked myself what might we do to “muffle” the constant noise found in misguided politics and the misguided voices in life that contradict Jesus’ teaching.

We can reduce these unhelpful noises by the graces we receive in the frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist. No greater protection is available.

Just as if wearing earmuffs, I can also close my ears to a thought that is wrong or unhelpful by saying a prayer such as, “Dear Jesus, I reject that thought and immerse myself in the protection of your Sacred Heart.” 

Doing so will help us and warm our hearts.

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek