Are you Ready?
There in solitude, Francis would be able to hear God’s secret revelations.”
St. Bonaventure
Hard to believe Lent is just a few days away. For me, though, it began in January. I have been working on Lenten newsletters for several weeks now, and I can truly say I am pleased with the results. I hope they will be meaningful and fruitful for you. This has me thinking about what I can do differently this year. What practices or prayers might deepen my journey? What challenge can I choose that will be particularly demanding yet meaningful, something I can truly tackle and grow from?
If you are a certain age you might remember these lyrics: Hello darkness, my old friend…..sounds of silence by Simon & Garfunkel. Not that the particulars of the song resonate exactly with the topic at hand, but the sound of silence has been especially hard for me lately. I have spoken about the beauty of listening to the whispers of God by listening through the silence of our heart.
For me, in my everyday life I always have something quietly simmering in the background. Whether it's cooking, painting, or even as I sit writing this blog I have the TV on in the background. In my daily prayer I use an aid — sound again. Heck, I even sleep with the TV on (well, that’s really to drown out the steam-like ringing of the tinnitus in my left ear). A little TMI, perhaps, but you get the gist.
So this Lent, I resolve to spend at least one hour each day in complete silence. I will try to sleep without the sound of the TV and surrender to God whatever discomfort that brings. No book, no writing — just sit quietly and be still. To be perfectly honest, it’s going to be a real challenge, but that is what I asked for, so I am going to give it a wholehearted try. I am hoping this practice will draw me closer to God by shutting out the din of the world and the everyday distractions so I can better focus on Him. Whatever you decide to fast from this Lent, make it something both challenging and fruitful. Let us continue to pray for one another on this journey of faith.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your spiritual journey! Keep at it! Keep praying. Love the Lord.
Peace and Grace.Fran Acosta,OFS
