The ability to speak is an important means for communication.
And that ability to speak has also been developed into the power of speech.
So for anyone who wants to do well in delivering a presentation or marketing, it would certainly be an advantage to harness that power of speech.
As much as the art of public speaking is important, so is the art of attentive listening.
Quite often, we listen not so much to understand but to respond or to rebut.
In the 1st reading, the discussion about the practice of circumcision went on for a long time.
Probably there was a lot of talking. But was there attentive listening?
Then Peter spoke and addressed the apostles and elders.
And after he spoke, the entire assembly was silenced and they listened to Barnabas and Paul describing all the signs and wonders God had worked through them among the pagans.
This teaches us that when we speak, it is not so much with the power of speech to impress but with the humility of love that will inspire.
And when we listen, may we also be silent so that we will hear what God is saying to us.