“At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.”
Matthew 4:1
March 9, 2014
First Sunday in Lent
A
few years ago, Pope Benedict noted that “silence is a precious
commodity that enables us to exercise proper discernment in the face of
the surcharge of stimuli and data that we receive.” How true, and how
much needed is silence in our world today! Lent is one time and
opportunity to learn from the example of Jesus, and find a place and
time for quiet and silence.
There
is a story about a country store in Vermont, where the men were just
sitting around, idle and silent. A visitor came in and was surprised at
the silence. He asked: “Is it against the law to talk?” “No,” one of
the local folk replied, “But around here we don’t speak until we are
sure we can improve on the silence.”
As
Lent begins, most likely we will not be able, like Jesus, to withdraw
to the desert for forty days, yet it is important that in our own way,
our own time and space, we do find time for quiet, time for silence.
Lord
Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, “Come aside to a desert place
and rest awhile.” Grant that we, your servants, may rest awhile with
you. May we seek you and both find you and be found in you. Look with
mercy on your servants who seek in solitude and silence refreshment and
guidance. Grant us your abundant blessing in your peace and love. Amen.
Rev. Peter Schineller, S.J., CMMB Board of Directors  |
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