Music is meant to serve the listeners

Good morning Shungtakians, among all the themes that we have from the last term, like “Respect differences”, “Acceptance and Hope”, “Be kind to all living beings”, these are easy to understand and respectful. Teaching us how to be a person with good morals. Though I have to say that the theme of this month might seem the most challenging: “Be good at listening, willing to serve.”

These words aren’t easy. They don’t sound like success or power. In fact, many people today might find them a little uncomfortable. After all, listening and serving are often seen as the roles of people under others—like workers, assistants, or employees. In a society that we are living in, we always strive to rise higher, gain power, to lead instead of follow, to be served rather than serve—why would we be encouraged to embrace this?

And yet, Catholic teaching invites us to look at life in an entirely different way. Jesus Himself, though Lord of all, washed the feet of His disciples, taking the place of a servant. Why should we listen and serve? Why are these values worth striving for?

Because listening and serving help us overcome a silent but dangerous sin: pride.

Let me share a story with you:

There was once a very talented boy who learned the piano extremely well and very quickly. His teacher saw his great potential and dedicated extra time to him—bringing him to concerts, exposing him to great performances, and enriching his musical world. With both his talent and the guidance of his teacher, by the age of 12, he had already collected numerous awards and gained popularity—achievements far beyond his peers.

As his success grew, so did his pride.

One day, when his teacher invited him to attend another concert, the boy frowned and said, “I don’t want to go. I’m already a great pianist. Why should I waste time listening to these boring performances?”

The teacher paused, looked at him gently, and asked,

“Do you know what we play music for?”

The boy hesitated. Then he answered, “For becoming the best musician in the world?”

The teacher replied,

“No, my dear child. Music is not a tool to fill our ego. Music is meant to serve the listeners. We play good music to bring healing and peace to others. But to truly serve through music, you must first learn to listen. To feel what the audience hears. To understand what you are truly expressing when you play.

There is no such thing as the ‘best’ musician, just like there is no ‘best’ servant. There are only those who offer their gifts humbly for others.”

That moment changed the boy. He realized that being praised was not the goal; becoming someone who listens, who serves, and who shares his gift with love and humility—that was the higher calling.

In life, we are much the same.

Jesus’s teaching reminds us that we are not here to compete endlessly, to prove we are the best in the world, or to make others serve us. Instead, we are invited quietly and mysteriously by God:

•  To listen to the people in our lives.
•  To listen to the needs of our world.
•  And above all, to listen to Him.

As we always say that we must listen to our mother, I would like to quote the last recorded words of Mother Mary in the Bible:

 “Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:5)

These words are a powerful reminder that we listen to God and serve others—not because we are weak, but because we are wise enough to seek the true purpose of our lives and respond to what God is calling us to do. So, together, from today, let us open our ears of heart and try to listen to his voice, patiently and humbly.

Mr Mak WT