Silence
I’m having one of those Lents where I keep hearing really good ideas of what others are committing to, and I want to incorporate what they’re doing. I still have my three things that I’m focusing on, but I’m trying to sprinkle in the good ideas that have been presented before me. I guess you could say I’m wandering through the desert. Ba-dum, ching.
(That may be my cringiest joke ever in a Faith Friday.)
Back to Lent…One of the potpourri of Lenten ideas is silence. Spending time in silence. I know it’s an area I fall short in - year round! I admire people who consistently rest in silence. Seeking out silence takes a backseat to the noise of the world, the busyness I distract myself with, the seemingly endless tasks. With a phone nearby, there is little chance for silence to participate in our day. It takes self-control and commitment to step away from the noise of life and enter into silence.
This Lent on the Hallow app, each day of the week has a theme. Last week on “Silent Saturday,” Cardinal Sarah shared the following quote:
“In killing silence, man assassinates God…The death of silence is apparent. God will always help us to rediscover it.”
Because God's first language is silence, and because He speaks to us in the silence, we miss out on the opportunity to listen to God when we abandon silence.
This weekend we will read about the Transfiguration. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on a mountain, and the three experience an amazing mountaintop experience, complete with Moses and Elijah, the transfiguration of Jesus, and God speaking the words to them, “This is my chosen son. Listen to him.” Luke 9: 28-36
What is required to listen to someone? Silence.
Our God is a God of purpose. He can do so much with our silence.
Calm us.
Bring us to a place of surrender.
Quiet our heart.
Quiet our mind.
Bring us peace.
Draw us closer to Him.
Physically relax us.
Mentally console us.
Spiritually uplift us.
I’m seeking out silence this Lent. Even pausing for five minutes a day. Silence can awaken our senses just as much as noise. Also, silence can be uncomfortable. When we allow silence to enter our lives, our thoughts can be stirred; magnifying what is on our hearts - both good and bad. Try to remember, in the silence, we are not alone. God's first language is silence. It’s a purposeful space where God is there to speak. He will help us to rediscover it. Listen to Him.
Please pray for a special intention today at 11:30am.