September 2012
Dear Friends,
Every year at this time I always seem to get a jolt of energy. As a child I’d look forward to September when I
could go back to school and see my friends. Even though I’m not in school anymore, I still get energized when
September rolls around. For me, September always feels like an opportunity for new beginnings, getting back into
a more regular routine, and catching up with friends. Some things never change! But other things do change.
Something I’ve learned about myself is that I can’t sustain the activity, noise, and distractions of the day without
making time for silence. Life is noisy. A lot of the noise comes from outside, and some of it is self-imposed. I
tend to gravitate toward noise when I’m bored or when I’m trying to avoid
something. Maybe you do, too; or maybe you have other reasons.
This issue of Journeys comes with an invitation to look for ways to spend time each
day in silence. One spiritual writer describes silence as “that place just before the
voice of God.” Silence can be uncomfortable at first and often takes getting used to,
but is worth every effort.
During the month of September we mark several Marian feasts—on the 8th we
celebrate the Birth of Mary, on the 12th is the Most Holy Name of Mary, and on the
th
15 we honor Mary under the name Our Lady of Sorrows. Mary knew the value of silence—“Mary kept all these
things, reflecting on them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) If silence is new or difficult for you, ask Mary to help you. I
think you’ll find that beginning a practice of time for silence each day will help you focus your mind, body, and
spirit.
For Reflection
What are my biggest distractions?
When might I realistically set aside 10-15 minutes of silence each day?
What might I need to let go of in order to make room for time in silence
with God?
Scripture helps
Psalm 131 This short psalm is a real gem. Read it over —preferably aloud— several times. Then choose a word
or phrase that speaks to you, like “stilled and quiet is my soul.” Repeat it while you allow God to lead you into
silence. Simply sit quietly and enjoy being in God’s loving presence.
Luke 2:15–19 Join Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in the manger. Observe Mary’s reaction to the message of the
shepherds. Call to mind an “amazing thing” you’ve heard about Jesus. Sit quietly and reflect on this in your heart.
Other Resources
Go to Busted Halo and read Embracing Silence in a Loud World
about silence and the use of social media.
Watch the film Into Great Silence a 2005 documentary on the Carthusian monks
of the Grande Chartreuse monastery in the French Alps.
Visit a public library and treat yourself to this wonderful children’s book by
Douglas Wood called A Quiet Place.
“In silence,
we are better able
to listen to
and understand
ourselves;
ideas come to birth and
acquire depth . . . “
Pope Benedict XVI
For more information, contact Sr. Elisa Ryan at [email protected] or Sr. Jean Hopman at
[email protected]. If you no longer wish to receive these e-letters, contact Sr. Elisa and she will
remove your address.
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