We all recognize our need for silence, even if we don’t always give ourselves enough of it. I’ve both written about and read many things about silence and its value.
What is it that we hear in the silence? I have several times in the last week or so come back to a beautiful answer to that question. It came in a daily devotional from Luther Seminary, written by Betsy Dartt, Greenfield Lutheran Church, Harmony, Minn. She writes:
The voice of God is best heard when I keep silent and listen. In the silence, a still, small voice echoes in the head with sounds of splashing waters as God opens the heavens saying, “This is my beloved Son.” In the silence, the Word made flesh enriches the heart with bread and wine saying, “Do this in remembrance of me.” In the silence, the clanging of pounding nails in the body is pierced with the cry “It is finished.” In the silence, the grinding of a rolling gravestone resounds in the soul with angels’ alleluias—He is risen! When I listen, the voices of heavenly creatures teach me new words of praise. When I listen, my small voice harmonizes with songs of people lifting holy hands in awe. When I listen, I can hear the Lamb on the throne of God saying, “Let everyone who hears, ‘Come…'” (Revelation 22:16)
You can view her reflection here, where you will also find the words to the hymn, Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence.
What do you hear in the silence?
Creo en Dios! 