​Encountering God in Silence

Dear friends on the journey,
In today’s gospel, we hear of Jesus’ return to his native homeland of Nazareth where he was surprisingly met with doubt and rejection by his own people. According to Mark, their lack of faith prevented them from encountering Jesus and experiencing his mighty deeds.

At times, we too might feel like we’re not really encountering Jesus or experiencing God in our lives, then we start doubting God and ourselves and asking: Do I have enough faith? Other times we can easily see Jesus in people and moments and feel God’s presence in our daily lives. Our faith journeys can be pendulums like that, faith then doubt and back again and we seem to be searching for ways to strengthen our faith in order to be aware of and feel God all around.
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Recently I had the opportunity to go on a week-long silent retreat at Mary & Joseph Retreat Center in Palos Verdes, a much-needed time out free of worldly distractions and noise. God and I had many hours alone to reconnect and I was reminded of his incredible love for me. It was glorious!

I found that silence heightens the other senses. Eating with others in silence may seem awkward but your sense of taste fully experiences every flavor. Silence opens your eyes to the wonders of nature. I was reading when I looked up to notice a lizard doing push-ups on a wall! Silence affords the opportunity to feel the sun on your skin and the breeze in your hair. Silence helps to focus your breathe to smell flowers and food. Silence creates the space to hear birds, water, wind and most importantly silence allows God’s still voice to be heard, reminding you that you are his beloved child, wonderfully made in his image.

Silence
Silence vibrating is Creation
Silence flowing is Love
Silence shared is Friendship 
Silence seen is Infinity
Silence heard is the Name of God 
Silence expressed is Beauty 
Silence maintained is Strength 
Silence omitted is Suffering 
Silence experienced is Peace 
Silence recorded is Sacred Scripture 
Silence preserved is the Spiritual Path 
Silence given is Grace
Silence received is Joy
Silence perceived is Wisdom 
Silence stabilized is Realization 
Silence alone IS

So then, this time of silence results in a heightened awareness of God’s presence all around – in nature, in people, in moments of fun, joy, sadness, even silliness. The more we notice and encounter God, the abundant blessings, gratitude, generosity, appreciation, positivism we will experience. This does not mean pain or loss subsides but our increased awareness of God gets us through. We have hope instead of doubt. Our faith increases and we’re open to receive his mighty deeds.

I challenge all of us this week to carve out at least 10 minutes of silence a day to be with God, simply enjoying one another’s company then see what comes your way.

Siempre Adelante,
Teresa Runyon
Faith Life Minister

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