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February 2005 |
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Issue 182 |
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St. Philip the Apostle |
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Keeping the Faith in the Interim Time; Thoughts, Views and
"Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand;
We Americans are a noisy bunch! If you don't believe it, just notice how Americans usually carry on in an often loud and somewhat boisterous style when they are traveling abroad. It's part of the great experience of personal freedom, built into our culture, which contributes to our acting that way. Americans like to be able to express themselves. The form of that expression, however, can often look quite noisy to others who don't share our cultural experience. We usually don't like to be quiet. We often surround ourselves with sound whenever we are alone. In the car, we turn on the radio or CD or tape player the moment we get in and keep it on as we travel to and from our destinations. At home, the TV or stereo is usually blaring away, providing us with our favorite music or entertainment. Our ears and our minds are barraged with sounds to keep us stimulated. Silent moments are often few and far between. When we encounter silence, we often feel uncomfortable and uneasy. Lent, however, gives us an opportunity to become comfortable in the silent moments. The words I quoted above are from a hymn we often sing during communion. The poetry and imagery come from a passage in Isaiah where the prophet writes about the vision of the holy he has experienced during a time of worship in the Temple in Jerusalem. If we keep still and are silent, we allow God the opportunity to break through to us. God can't get through to us if we constantly fill our minds with other means of stimulation. God, however, can get through to us when we step back and push all the competing thoughts, music, etc. out of our heads and let God break through to reach us. This Lent I encourage each of you to take a few moments during your busy days for a "time out" for God. Find a place to sit or kneel and just push all thoughts out of your mind. Practice being silent and allow God to find you where you are… and to bring you God's peace. "The peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord." Have a blessed and holy Lent. Your faithful servant in the Lord, The Reverend Barry Miller |
When the parents of Jesus had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. (Presentation of the Lord. Luke 2: 22 - 40) |
