SILENCE, A WAY TO SELF AWARENESS AND TO GOD

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The world today is experiencing a remarkable technological advancement. Due to technology, peoples’ life styles have greatly improved. Aspects such as industrialization, transport and communication have been simplified. However, it is important to acknowledge the negative effects of technology such as excessive noise. I will focus my attention on the counter part of noise, silence. In fact, silence is the absence of noise. Many of us associate quietness to events such as death and sorrow. Personally, I consider it as a precious gift from God because it is not only important for the religious, but for all humanity. Silence is essential in listening to one’s self, paying attention to others and above all listening to God.

Silence helps us to look deep into our selves. When one looks at calm water, it acts as a mirror. Like calm water, silence is a procedure to introspection. In Lavigerie community, we have retreats, monthly recollections as well as daily meditations. These aspects are vital for our personal reflections as a Christians. It is through quietness that we may come to a deeper understanding of ourselves. We then recognize our worth in the eyes of God, as his beloved children, though we have shortcomings. Aware of ourselves, we can control our feelings, emotions and share them more freely with our brothers and sisters. If a stone is thrown into calm water, it ceases to act as a mirror. Noise therefore hinders our inward journey.

We need to pay attention to our brothers and sisters whom we encounter in our places of apostolate. Before going for ministry, Jesus had a retreat when he fasted in the desert for forty days and nights (Mt 4:1-11). A desert is a place of lack of food, water, communication, music and friends. It is a place to listen to God’s voice. As aspirants to Missionary life, we are invited to go out and encounter our fellow Christians. Equally, as I go out, whose message am I carrying? Therefore, this is an invitation to listen to the Lord who sends us. Effective listening involves meditative silence.

Silence provides a favorable environment for encountering God (1Kgs 19:11-13). We can discern God’s message in our lives if we can listen to him. However, we are not Monks to live in silence but a few minutes of silence everyday makes a difference in our lives. A lot can be discussed about silence.  As St. Augustine says “You made us all for you, Oh Lord! And our hearts remain restless until they rest in you.” May God bless us all.  
By Kunta Philip.

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