A Holy Silence

I grew up playing bass in punk bands. We played loud. We played fast. We made sure to play all the notes.

But as I’ve matured as a musician, I now know the notes I don’t play speak louder than the notes I do play.

The silence between the notes is no longer awkward but helps build anticipation and excitement for what is next.

We are in the middle of Holy Week. This past Sunday, Christians around the world began this season by meditating on Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Tomorrow begins the Triduum, the three-day liturgical celebration spanning Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and culminating on Easter Sunday.

But today, the Wednesday of Holy Week, is the silence between the notes. On this Holy Wednesday, I invite you to PAUSE as we wait with anticipation for the season’s event to unfold.

As you take a moment to PAUSE, take a few deep breaths in and out. As your body, mind, and spirit begin to slow down, pray:

Holy Spirit, awaken my whole being to the power found in silence.

PAUSE.

Pray:
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. (Ps. 62:1)

PAUSE.

Pray:
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. (Ps. 62.5)

PAUSE.

Pray:
Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Ps. 46.10)

PAUSE.

Receive:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (Phil. 4:23)

PAUSE.

Do not rush the silence. Sit in the silence. Embrace the silence.

Below is a song I wrote years ago about my struggle to embrace silence. 

Grace and peace.