There are several sayings about silence. Silence is golden, silence is deafening, silence is complicity, to name just a few. The contrast among these is stark. Indeed, silence can be very good or very bad, depending on the situation. There are many situations where silence is problematic, especially when there is clear injustice. In other moments silence is so important.

It is common for a moment of silence to be called for as a gathering begins. It can help center us and bring the group into the space. It is also often used to remember and honor those we have lost. Perhaps this is part of why silence is on my mind this week. We recall the lives lost in New York 24 years ago, and we remember all those who continue to grieve the loved ones lost. A second period of silence may be in order for all those we’ve lost to gun violence.

The busyness of our world makes it hard to find silence. This is part of the beauty of trying to offer a moment of silence as a group. We would each do well to incorporate small silences into our day-to-day lives as well. Finding time and space that is relatively quiet can be tricky. Setting a timer can free your mind from wondering how much time has passed, but turning off all other notifications is important.

When I first tried this years ago, I often fell asleep. Initially, I was frustrated by my inability to keep silent without nodding off. Looking back, perhaps it was answered prayer, finding a moment of rest in a busy world. Now when I am deliberate about finding silence, I am often rewarded, not with a nap, but with a sense of peace or clarity about something I’ve raised to God in prayer. If you’re willing to seek some silence, I believe you’ll find it rewarding too!

Blessings,
Fr. Paul