Ash Wednesday
Virginia Theological Seminary
Silence… We are often called to enter into silence like it is something that is wholly therapeutic and recharging. So why do we run from silence like it is a demon?
Maybe we should look at entering silence, not as something that takes us away from the comforts of the noise that populates our lives but rather as an invitation to a place where clarity of thought resides. Many fear silence but why would that be the case?
When we enter silence we do so with trepidation and misunderstanding. Why might that be? Maybe we are carrying too much with us when we enter silence. Maybe we need to lighten our load to better enjoy the silence.
Christ gave specific directions about little but when it came to entering silence, he was specific: shut the door (don’t leave it ajar) and be alone with God. We were told to leave everything else outside and enter retreat with God.
Questions for reflection:
- What does it mean to me to enter into silence?
- How is my search for silence punctuated?
- Where is the noise that invades my silence (and there will be noise)?
- Where does the noise come from?
- What do I do about the noise?
- I can fight it (and probably lose).
- I can enjoy it for what it is.
- I can co-opt it to move from the noise to silence.
How do I lighten my load as I enter into silence and contemplation?
Within the Labyrinth...
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One Have mercy upon us
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One Have mercy upon us
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One Grant us thy peace
What does it mean to have the peace of God?
- To be an agent of change
- To possess a lightness of spirit
- To sense God’s presence
- To have an awareness of others
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One
How do we share God’s peace?
How is silence affiliated with peace?
Observation: It’s hard to slide when you’re on the path of God
