The world begins the year with noisemakers, fireworks, and cacophony. The Church begins the year at the manger with Mary, treasuring "all these things" and "reflecting on them in her heart." The world begins the year with a noisy night; we Christians begin with "silent night."
That which begins with a bang often ends in "dead silence." That which begins in "live silence" often ends in a bang, which changes the world. The Lord commands us, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps 46:10, RSV-CE). He assures us, "By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust your strength lies" (Is 30:15). The "better part" is to sit at the Lord's feet and listen to His words (see Lk 10:39, 42).
As we begin this new year, let us be "quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (Jas 1:19). In silence, there is revelation, joy, and peace. "It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord" (Lam 3:26). "Silence, all mankind, in the presence of the Lord! For He stirs forth from His holy dwelling" (Zec 2:17).
| PRAYER: | Father, on this day of prayer for peace, make us peacemakers (Mt 5:9), even if we have to die for peace (see Col 1:20). |
| PROMISE: | "The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!" –Nm 6:24-26 |
| PRAISE: | Praise You, Father, for giving us Mary as our perfect model: humble, quiet, loving, and prayerful. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College