The Depth of Silence

Good afternoon, sisters and brothers;

The Marianas Trench is located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is a staggering 36,000 feet deep. The bottom of the trench is veiled in mystery, a place where the light of the sun does not reach. It is a landscape of strange creatures and profound silence. 

Last night I wandered to the wild meadow to pray. On my way there I was struck by the beauty of our brush fence silhouette against the fading light of the western horizon. The colours of the sky were amazing, progressing from crimson, pink, blue, to black. The trees, with their barren branches spread upwards as though in prayer, seemed to be in a state of suspended animation. They are readying themselves for the onslaught of spring, of buds, leaves, flowers and bumblebees. But last night they stood silently, like sentinels beneath the domed sky that gives a bird's eye view into infinity.  

There was no wind

There were few cars on the roads

The birds had retired for the evening

The silence was deafening. 

I might as well have been standing at the very bottom of the Marianas Trench looking upwards. 

Upwards towards the divine

And at this very moment, God is looking down on us.  

God sees that we are anxious and afraid, that we all seek that deep silence that refreshes the soul. 

Even in the political madness of the present moment, we can in fact reclaim the silence. 

Our little reflection group is not helpless.

We have agency, the ability to enact change for the good. We have our work cut out for us. 

We will stand together side by side

We will pray for one another

We will pray for our world, and dream of better times to come, where world leaders actually lead rather than destroy. 

Nothing is impossible with God. 

Your homework for tonight is to go outside and stand quietly and listen to the depths of the silence of your hearts. 

And if you listen very carefully you will hear the Holy Spirit whisper "Be still and know that I am God." 

Let us pray 

Evening Litany 

Gracious and loving God, we ask 

That this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful

That the work we have done this day and the people we have met may bring us closer to you. 

That we may be forgiven our sins and offenses

That we may hear and respond to your call to peace and justice

That you will sustain the faith and hope of the weary, the lonely, and the oppressed

That you will strengthen us in your service, and fill our hearts with longing for your kingdom 

Que Dios me los bendiga

Paz 

I love you 

John