Where has all the silence gone? It is not just the literal sound that is missing, but also the constant demands of work, technology, and social media that invade our daily lives. These digital distractions can make it difficult to find moments of calm and contemplation, leaving us overwhelmed by noise and devoid of quiet time.
In years gone by, we did not have all the technology that we have today. There are still 24 hours a day, but never enough time to Live in the moment.
There are ways to cultivate silence in our lives, and it is crucial that we do so. By setting aside, time for meditation and seeking out quiet places. We can create the space for silence to flourish. During this season of Ordinary Time at Mass, we focus on the life and teachings of Christ, with the hope of personal spiritual growth. Silence can be a potent tool, especially in worship, fostering a deeper relationship with God. What is more ordinary than silence? Taking the opportunity to arrive at Mass early and experience the quiet is one way. I recall a friend’s mother, a Baptist from West Virginia, who always looked forward to attending a Catholic Church in Detroit because of the silence she experienced before the liturgy began. When I visited Toronto, I attended Mass at a local church. At the conclusion, everyone stayed and knelt in silent prayer for a few minutes before leaving. We need to seek the Lord while He may be found.
Next time we feel stressed or overwhelmed, take a moment to reflect on what God is speaking to us. By allowing God in, we welcome His love and peace to permeate our being.
We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature—trees, flowers, grass—grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence… We need silence to be able to touch souls.” —Mother Teresa
