Introduction
Fall Silent
Opening Prayer
+ A steadfast spirit, renew within me, O God. A willing spirit, sustain in me. I fall silent in your presence now.
Scripture
Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them….
When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you…to win the praise of others….
But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.…
When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.…When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.” (cf. Matthew 6:1-18)
Meditation
The general theme chosen for our Lenten reflection this year is taken from Luke’s Gospel for the second Sunday in Lent where the apostles fall silent before the transfiguration of the Lord (see Luke 9.28-36).
The theme reminds me of how frequently I am tempted to say too much, both in my daily life and in my spiritual life. So often I feel compelled to comment, to explain, to offer excuses, to provide advice or kindly comfort when in fact it would be better just to fall silent – to remain quietly present to those situations which make me feel confused or overwhelmed -- and to listen more closely to those who need to share with me. This is often true, for instance, at the time of death, when I am tempted to use words to disengage from the reality of the pain and loss; it is also true in prayer, where I am more comfortable speaking than listening.
Lent is a good time for me to remember that I am often helpless in the face of the human condition and speechless in the face of God’s grace. It is a good time for me to practice falling silent, and trying not to call attention to myself.
