Meditation on “To you, silence is praise”
Gentleness and severity of the synodal path
1 October 2024
“If you love the truth,
be a lover of silence
and God grant you to experience
that which is generated by silence‘.
(Isaac the Syrian)
Welcome to a new day filled with praise as Mother Maria Ignazia Angelini reflects on the beauty of silence and its importance in the synodal journey. As we gather for Morning Prayer on the second day of the Synod Retreat, we open our hearts to the light that God provides. Today’s reflection is centered around the verse from Psalm 64 that says, ‘To you, silence is praise.’ What does this mean for our path ahead?
Silence, often overlooked in a world filled with noise, holds a special place in the liturgy and life itself. It is the breath of God that precedes every prayer and every word. Just as Elijah heard God in the ‘still silence,’ we too can find God’s presence in the quiet moments of our lives. Jesus himself demonstrated the power of silence, especially in moments of trial and tribulation.
As we prepare for the dialogue workshops and penitential celebration, let us embrace the silence that underpins all meaningful conversations. In a world filled with chaos, silence allows us to listen deeply to the voice of God, the cries of the poor, and the whispers of creation. It is in this silence that true dialogue can flourish.
Today, let us reflect on the importance of silence in our journey towards unity and understanding. Like Jesus on the road to Jerusalem, let us navigate obstacles with grace and humility. Let us fix our gaze on the face of God, seeking truth and wisdom in the quiet moments of reflection.
Let us embrace the silence as a form of praise, a way to honor the divine within and around us. In the stillness, we find the strength to face challenges and the courage to speak the truth. As Psalm 64 reminds us, ‘To you, silence is praise’ – a beautiful reminder of the power of quiet contemplation.
