This morning I am covering the reception desk at Sophia
Center for a couple of hours. It should be quiet, because the retreatants are
here for “Coffee and Silence”—a time to withdraw from the busyness of the world
and enjoy contemplative silence.
Taking time for silent prayer is especially appropriate
during Advent, when we are called to “Be still and know that I am God.” Being a
Christian calls us to a counter-cultural way of life, and thus we can basically
ensure we are on the right path by doing the opposite of what we see going on
in society—hence, in the midst of the noise of nonstop advertising and Christmas
music that begins playing the day after Halloween, we can choose to carve out
time for silence and prayer.
In stillness, we learn that God is God and we are not, which
fosters humility and the joy of being in right relationship with God. Then our
hearts are prepared to absorb the awesome gift we celebrate during the season
of Christmas—the coming of Emmanuel, God with us, into our world. Out of
silence, the Word became flesh—and today, silence continues to be necessary as
we prepare to encounter Christ.
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