My monastery has a practice called The Great Silence. From 9:00 at night till after Eucharist the next morning, no one speaks (except when necessary).
Why?
Perhaps most obviously, silence creates a home for the spiritual life. By silencing the sounds of the everyday—both our penchant for talk and the constant noise of our culture—it allows the voice of God to come through. As we settle into silence, we quite naturally listen more attentively, tilling the soil into which God sows his word.
When silence is practiced, it usually comes with a certain “sign language” that helps monastery visitors pass the butter at the breakfast table. I’ve wondered, though, what would happen if we didn’t use any means to communicate. We might miss out on the butter—and learn to enjoy our meal without it. We might not be able to communicate something important—only to find out it’s not that important after all.
We might, in short, accept what is in front of us as gift, no more, no less. It is only one short step from there to gratitude, which opens our heart in just the way God needs in order to do his work.
2 comments:
God speaks in silence
Indeed he does. And that's the single best reason to practice silence.
John B.
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