Silence Can Do Much Good

“He who trusts himself is lost. He who trusts God, can do all things.” St. Alphonsus Liguori

Recently, I increased my internet data on my phone plan because I discovered audio books while I drive. The suggestions were some Catholic books, and one was interesting. This book, about surrendering to God’s will was worth a listen while driving but it was not easy to believe. It is easy to forget God’s love for us. Our limited minds and our objections likely never cease. I have also been listening to ‘Interior Castle’ by St. Teresa of Avila. It is a lot of information to take in while I drive. These audiobooks are a great replacement for the mindless chatter on the radio and endless cycle of songs on Satellite Radio although I enjoy those too at times. I need more time to reflect. Recently, the chapel inside an office building in my city that offered mass throughout the day for workers is facing closure. The reasons are not important, but the alternatives are scant. I have to reorganize my day for daily mass, but it is all worth the effort.

“Silence is the beginning of purifying the soul.” St. Basil the Great

I live in Canada and this week; Blessed Marie Durocher had her feast day. She is one of the few Canadian saints. She helped her brother who was a priest and then she was asked to form her own order. In those heady days, Canada was still quite untamed. Few people lived here and the country, as it was, was one diocese. The bishop was determined to build it up. He asked Blessed Marie. She responded with great enthusiasm and founded the community of Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. I went to mass on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary and though the historical influence of the feast might have been forgotten over time, it is important to remember that great prayer brought a great victory. This all comes from determination to never give up. However, this continuing ability comes from prayer – the point where we all must begin.

St. Maximilian Kolbe: "Silence is necessary, and even absolutely necessary. If silence is lacking, then grace is lacking".

We have many events in the city where I live. They are well attended but sometimes the crowds are overwhelming. Despite all this, it is important to find time alone. The silence allows God to enter in our lives, and he can only speak in that silence. Blessed Marie could not have done her work without prayer. Pope Pius V asked for prayers from everyone in the Church. The victory brought relief and joy to Christendom. But how can we bring this to our small corner of the world. Not all of us will begin a religious order or make a mark on history. What is important is our relationship with the Infinite and how we respond. When Pope Leo XIV said mass on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, he reminded the faithful that the Incarnation first took place “in Mary’s heart” before it occurred in her womb. God never delays, the Pope stated, rather, people are called to learn patience and trust: "God's time is always perfect." It is important to remember these words in our daily lives because this will resound in our hearts at the most opportune times. We are never alone even in our silence.

“Silence does good for the soul.” Ste. Therese of Lisieux