Finding God in Silence
A favourite memory of “Finding God in Silence” comes from a confirmation class 25+ years ago.
The assignment: find a place of quiet. Simply sit and observe God at work.
One participant returned with possibly the most exciting and spiritual moment of her life.
She had chosen, (coffee in hand) the sun-filled deck of her home. After a few moments, to her disappointment, a city garbage truck came rumbling down the lane. She heard the sounds of brakes, steel on steel, and then the clanging of metal cans being dumped into the truck.
She continued to contemplate her surroundings, now including the garbage truck. Then it struck her—a metaphor for spiritual life. In life we have many experiences: some we retain and others we discard.
Another participant shared a reflection on the Sacrament of Reconciliation—how in the act of confession, we give our life experiences over to God and God willing accepts them.
The priest then says: “Our Lord Jesus Christ, who offered himself as the perfect sacrifice to the Father, who conferred power on his Church to forgive sins, absolve you, through my ministry, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, and restore you in the perfect peace of the Church. Amen.”
The sacrament ends with: Priest: "The Lord has put away all your sins." Penitent: "Thanks be to God." Priest: "Go in peace and pray for me a sinner." (BAS p. 171-172)
Finding God in silence is more complex than simple confession.
It is about “whole” life.
Living in this moment in history, we have an obligation to spend time exploring our response to the challenges within society.
The daily headlines offer concerns for a range of situations: food insecurity for so many; financial burdens of education; armed conflicts in the world, with their grab for power and authority over those seen as “less than.”
The challenge—to step back in silence and reflect.
Where is God calling us?
What are the possibilities offered by undiscovered resources in our midst?
Busyness can edge out creativity.
Press ‘pause’ and discover.
Blessings, Archdeacon Brian+
And please pray for me, a sinner.
