Silence Is Precious
Silence is easy to come by for me lately—now that Ohio is wrapped in a thick blanket of snow. The other day I sat mesmerized, watching the large, lacy flakes dance their way down from the sky.
Silence, God’s First Language
God speaks in silence. Remember how the prophet Elijah waited for the Lord to pass by as he had promised. Strong wind split rocks, followed by an earthquake and fire. But God wasn’t in any of these loud things. He spoke in sheer silence.
God still speaks in silence. Pope St. John Paul II stated,“ Actually, it is only in silence that human beings can hear in their inmost being the voice of God which truly sets them free.”
When we sink into silence, we come face to face with God. To be still we must cease our frantic pace, put away the cell phone, turn off the TV, quiet our bodies, curb our racing minds, and close our mouths. Only then can we be attuned to the voice of God speaking from the eternal silence. St. Teresa of Calcutta offered another motivation for silence: “The more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life.”
Advantages of Silence
Mother Teresa also noted: “God is the friend of silence. . . . See how nature, the trees, the flowers, the grasses grow in perfect silence—see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence.” When we are silent, we can glimpse deer, catch fish, read a book, and work out a problem.
You probably have memories that bear out the truth of the saying “silence is golden.” Maybe you remember walking into the peace of your own home after a noisy party, or taking a stroll before anyone else was awake, or gazing at a baby fast asleep. Such times are valuable because they draw us more deeply into reality. St. Elizabeth of the Trinity said, “There is nothing so great as silence. It shuts out the external world to open up the interior world.”
Daily Cacophany
Usually the world packs our minds with a million noises: music, chatter, commercials, traffic sounds, crowds. Sheltered from these distractions, we are free to concentrate on essentials.
In silence we find truth, goodness, and beauty. We discover who we are. Silence is the air that our spirit must breathe if our spiritual life is to thrive. St. John of the Cross taught, “The language that he [God] best hears is the silent language of love.” When you pray, go to a peaceful place, quiet your mind, and still your body. No need to speak directly to God—to adore and thank him or voice petitions. Just be still and listen.
Jesus Sought Silence
Jesus, our model, valued silence. He prepared for his public life by a 40-day private retreat in the wilderness. Before choosing his apostles, “He departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12). He often rose before dawn or drew apart from the hubbub of the crowds to commune with God alone: to celebrate their bond of love, and to center his life and his work on God’s will.
Jesus recommended praying in solitude to his followers: “But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret”(Matthew 6:6).
Silence as a Pathway to God
We believe that the Trinity lives within us. Quiet solitude enables us to attend to God. We can adore the Almighty in the depths of our being, delight in his loving presence, and strengthen our love for him. Refreshed and encouraged by loving encounters with God, we can better meet life’s challenges.
People who seek God have always reserved silent spaces in their lives. St. Thomas More, who was Chancellor of English in the sixteenth century, prayed every morning from two to six-o’clock! For centuries men and women religious have practiced silence. (Originally we Notre Dames observed Silencium Rigorosum, strict silence at night.) Serious Christians participate in days of recollection, retreats, and renewals in which silence usually plays a major role. During liturgical celebrations “at the proper times all should observe a reverent silence.”
The Incarnation
In the Christmas liturgy we hear “When peaceful silence lay over all, and night had run the half of her swift course, down from the heavens, from the royal throne, leapt your all-powerful Word” (Wisdom 18:14–15). Our silent hearts invite another incarnation. In the tranquility of silence the Word becomes living and active in us. Faith, hope, and love are born anew. We acquire the energy to live life to the hilt, and we increase our potential for eternal life.
Self-check
- Am I afraid to be alone?
- Am I uncomfortable doing nothing?
- Do I occasionally treat myself to several hours of solitude and silence—in a park, at the beach, or some other secluded area?
- During how much of each day do I experience silence?
- Do I always have the radio on when I drive?
- In the quiet evening hours do I always watch TV, or do I sometimes pray, read, or reflect?
- After receiving Communion, do I pray—or watch people go by?
- How much time do I allow for daily prayer?
A Prayer
Jesus, you speak to me when I am silent. Once amid thunder and crashing waves when you said, “Peace, be still,” the wind and waves obeyed you. Now calm me. Lord, quiet my body so that I might rest in your presence. Silence my heart and mind so that I might wait attentively for your word. Then when I am still, speak, Lord, and I will listen.
What is your favorite memory of silence?
Here is the snow falling as seen from my balcony Tuesday:
Saints for Fun
Because joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, naturally saints have a sense of humor. They are not the solemn, dour people as sometimes assumed to be. This quality makes them attractive. Arguably the prime example of a saint who loved to have fun was St. Philip Neri. He walked around in shoes too big for him and with his beard half shaved. Above the door of his house was the sign “House of Christian Mirth.” He kept a book of jokes on his desk and played practical jokes on young seminarians.
St. Francis de Sales, author of The Introduction to the Devout Life was not above being silly. One day a woman came to him for spiritual advice. She asked, “Some say we should wear rouge; others say not to. What should I do. St. Francis replied, “Wear it on one cheek.”
Recently canonized St. Pier Giorgio Frassati liked to play pranks like shortsheeting the beds of others on retreat.
I imagine the halls of heaven ring with laughter!
Saints in Children’s Eyes
Here are a few gems about saints culled from my book Why Is Jesus in the Microwave?
Saint Charade
One eighth grader refused to take notes as his class viewed filmstrips on the lives of the saints. He insisted to Sister Andrew that he could remember the material. Later a quiz proved him wrong when he made these identifications: St. Martian Despress (for Martin de Porres)—He cured people and then they died; St. Catherine of Siena—She cut off her hair, and then she became a noun. (Sister thought Catherine was more like a verb.)
Living Saint
Sister Mary Beth took her first graders to the church for a tour. The children stood in awe before the large, colorful stained-glass window that depicted Pentecost. It showed the Holy Spirit coming down upon Mary and the apostles. One child whispered seriously, “Sister, where are you in the picture?”
Modern Translation
The seventh grade was telling the story of John the Baptist’s life. When it came to the part where John declared that he was not worthy to unloose the Savior’s sandals, one student gave an original version. He stated, “John said he wasn’t worthy to untie Christ’s saddle shoes.”
Mary’s New Vocation
Two kindergarten students were discussing whether or not the Blessed Virgin Mary was a sister.
“She had to be a sister. She wore a veil,” said one.
“No, she was Saint Joseph’s wife and had a baby, Jesus,” retorted the other.
“Well, after Jesus and Saint Joseph died, then she became a sister,” explained the first.
“Yeah, that’s probably true,” conceded the second.
A Tableau
In the front yard of St. Joan of Arc church stands a large, white, marble statue of St. Joan astride a horse. One fall day when Sister looked out the window, she saw that figures had been added to the scene. Two third grade boys stood, one on either side of St. Joan, sticks drawn as swords, pledging their loyalty to the warrior-saint.
Saint Defaming
As homework to prepare for the Feast of All Saints, Sister Jude Andrew told her children to learn something about their patron saints. On the feastday itself the parish priest paid a visit. Father asked little Frank, “Who is your patron?”
“St. Francis,” came the quick reply, to Sister’s relief.
“Good,” said Father. “Do you know anything about your patron saint?”
“Oh, yes, Father,” Frank said. “He was a sissy.” The boy apparently had not persevered long in his research of St. Francis of Assisi.
Food for Thought
Before the Feast of All Saints the first and second graders were discussing heaven. Lacey said, “There must be an awfully long table in heaven for all those people. And it’s going to take forever to pass the mashed potatoes.”
Alex tried to dispel her concerns. He said, “I heard that our plates will be full when they are put in front of us.”
Not one to stop worrying, Lacey replied, “But what will we do for seconds?”
Clean Spirits
One little girl was spending a very long time in the bathtub. Puzzled, her mother questioned, “Why are you in there for so long, honey?”
“I’m washing my Guardian Angel,” was the surprising reply.
The next day the girl came home from school and announced to her mother’s relief, “Mom, I don’t have to worry about my Guardian Angel anymore. I found out that he doesn’t have a body.”
My Friends in High Places
Speaking of saints, I’ve become acquainted with them by writing about them and giving talks about them.
My book I Am Going offers reflections on the dying words of saints.
I’ve written biographies of St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Teresa of Calcutta, and St. Julie Billiart.
Years ago I produced the popular Saints Kit, a box of cards each with the life of a saint and related activities for students. Still available is Saints and Feastdays (Loyola Press).
Due to come out this September is my daily devotional based on words of the saints. (Loyola)
What humorous story about a saint do you know?
How do you show you have a sense of humor?
Here is a short video about St. Philip Neri:
Children and Prayer Anecdotes
We all have memories of learning how to pray. I remember my mother practicing the Our Father and other prayers with me as I swung in our basement. This was for my Wednesday catechism classes. My friend’s Italian mother used the Hail Mary, which speaks of “fruit of thy womb,” to teach her about the birds and bees.
On these cold, dark, dreary days, (at least here in Ohio) I offer more humorous anecdotes to warm your heart. Last week they were related to religion. This week these thirteen true stories from the Sisters of Notre Dame have to do with children and prayer. Maybe you or your children have mangled a rote prayer with a funny result. If so, please share this in a comment.
Funny or Sweet Responses
First-Century Planes
The school was assembled in the gym for the Stations of the Cross. A special microphone system had been set up. Everyone was finally in place and hushed, waiting for the Lenten devotion to begin. A first grader was the first one to the microphone. In a strong voice he announced, “The First Station, the pilot said Jesus must die!” The Roman governor Pontius Pilate was thereby acquitted.
Divine Affirmation
During the first graders’ religion class, Sister invited, “Now let’s close our eyes and listen to what God is saying to us.” It was very quiet as the children prayed silently. After a short time, Sister asked, “Can anyone tell us what God said to them?”
One hand went up, and a small boy reported, “Kevin, you’re my best invention.”
Semi-Contrition
A second grader preparing for First Reconciliation was practicing the Act of Contrition. He began, “O my God, I am partly sorry.”
A Happy Ending
When November 2 came along, the second graders learned about the poor souls in purgatory. At least one child remembered the lesson—at least partially. A few days later during the morning prayers of petition, Andrea prayed, “For the repose of the soul of my uncle. He was killed in a car accident but is doing much better now.”
Rote Prayers
Despite the rule that no children may enter the building during recess, one day two young girls appeared at the principal’s office and announced, “Sister Regina, we saw the Blessed Virgin above the garages.”
“Is that so? Did you tell the teacher out there?” Sister asked.
“Yes,” the girls shook their heads. “She saw Mary too.”
Deciding that this needed to be investigated, Sister Regina went outside and walked over to the teacher.
“Yes,” the teacher confirmed, “some clouds were in the shape of the Blessed Virgin.”
Sister Regina asked, the girls, “What did you do when you saw Mary?”
“Well,” one girl replied, “we said our First Communion prayers, then we prayed a Hail Mary, and then we said the Pledge Allegiance to the Flag.”
A Fan
In the school chapel was a book in which the students recorded petitions. To the amusement of the faculty, one petition read, “That Sister Mary Judith Ann may continue to teach.”
The Lord’s Sabbath
The students were writing acrostic prayers to God based on their names. Each letter in their name began a phrase of their prayer. Maurene’s prayer was quite unusual. For one E in her name she had written, “Eternal rest grant unto you, O Lord.”
A Parent’s Prank?
Sister Thomasin told her third graders that for homework they were to bring to school pictures of people they should pray for. To her surprise, one student came with a picture of Lady Godiva.
Greeting Gabriel
Sister asked her first graders what Mary said when the angel appeared to her. A quick-thinking lad answered, “She probably said, ‘Angel of God, my guardian dear.’ ”
It’s All Relative
When praying intercessory prayers, Sister Regina’s fourth graders prayed only for family members and pets. To teach the children to make their intentions more inclusive, Sister decided to act as a model. She began to offer prayers such as “For all police officers and firefighters who work to keep us safe” and “For people in hospitals and those who try to bring them back to good health.”
One day Sister asked, “Does anyone notice that my prayers are different from everyone else’s?” Heads nodded vigorously. “How are they different?” Sister asked.
Mark responded, “Well, we all pray for our relatives. But you don’t seem to have any.”
Prayer Posture
The first graders were talking about prayer. Johnny informed everyone that he prayed every night. “Can you say your night prayers for me?” Sister de Xavier asked.
The boy thought for a while and then asked, “Can I get on the floor?”
“Sure,” Sister replied.
Johnny got down on the floor, lay on his back, and folded his hands on his chest. Then he recited his night prayers.
False Alarm
Whenever fire engine sirens were heard during a lesson, Sister Ricarda and her students prayed for the firefighters and the people in danger. Sister discovered that this practice had made quite an impression on the children after she taught them the prayer for the faithful departed, who may be enduring the fires of purgatory.
One day she was surprised to hear some children praying, “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the fire department, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
Messages from Heaven
After a time of quiet prayer, Sister Marie asked her first graders what God had said to them.
A child answered, “God told me he loves me.”
Another said, “God said, ‘Thank you for coming to Sunday school.’ ”
To one child, God sounded just like her parents. She said, “God told me to turn down the TV.”
Your Turn
So what garbled versions of prayers have you heard?
Who taught you to pray? How?
What is your favorite prayer(s)?
Cheers for a New Year
Every morning one of the first things I do is post a cartoon on Facebook. Surprisingly, I receive more positive feedback from this “ministry” than from books I’ve written! Where is the source of my cartoons? On the first day when my sister Nancy and I were in Hawaii in 2004, we met a Japanese couple from California, Alan and Linda. Incredibly, ever since then (for the past 22 years!) Alan has sent me seven cartoons each day. I save the best ones on my computer.
Why Laugh?
Laughter is known as “the sound of the soul dancing” and “carbonated holiness.” It expresses inner joy, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit and, according to the Jesuit Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God. Mark Twain observed, “Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.” Writer and musician Jimmy Buffett goes even further and claims that if we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane!
In addition, laughter has physical benefits. For good reasons it is the best (and cheapest) medicine. Laughing promotes health by massaging the inner organs, strengthening the immune system, improving blood flow, and relaxing muscles. Furthermore, it releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that reduce stress and pain. Ironically, like a disease, laughter is contagious.
Books with Funny Anecdotes
In 2002, Paulist Press published my book Catholic School Kids Say the Funniest Things ($10.00). It was a collection of humorous stories I had gathered from the Sisters of Notre Dame. After that book was out of print, Our Sunday Visitor republished it with 100 additional anecdotes. This revision was entitled Why Is Jesus in the Microwave? ($15.00) The title stems from the following story:
A Hot House
At a certain parish the tabernacle was a wide rectangle set into the wall. One day the primary children were learning about the Mass. At the end of the lesson, Sister asked, “Does anyone have any questions?”
With furrowed brow, a child inquired, “Why does Father put Jesus into the microwave?”
Another child wanted to know why Father locked up Jesus.
(This book too is out-of-print. But I have copies of both, if you’d like to purchase either.)
As a plus, darling illustrations grace both books. Here are samples:
Religion Related Laughs
Mixed Vegetables
Father was reviewing the story of Our Lord’s passion with the children. He asked, “What was the name of the garden Jesus and his apostles went to after the last supper?” A boy raised his hand and waved it wildly. He was not one who usually knew the answers.
“Do you really know?” asked a surprised Father.
“Yes,” said the boy confidently. “The Garden of Pickles.”
“Close,” granted the priest. (Should have been Garden of Olives.)
The Ultimate Evil
Father presumed that the first graders knew a lot of theology. “Does anyone know who the leader of the bad angels was?” he asked. Sister was surprised to see one little boy’s hand shoot up.
“Yes?” Father asked.
“The boogeyman,” the boy declared emphatically.
Omnipresence
“Do you know where God is?” Sister asked her first graders.
One boy confidently answered, “In our bathroom.”
Curious, Sister inquired, “How do you know?”
“Because every morning my dad pounds on the door and asks, ‘My God, are you still in there?’
A Few More
Mary, a U.S. Citizen!
The sixth graders were practicing for a May Crowning. Luckily the lad reading the Gospel passage about the annunciation had the chance to be corrected. He proclaimed that God sent the angel Gabriel to a Virginian betrothed to a man named Joseph.
Catholics in the Temple
One of Sister Anelle’s students read the Bible with a modern mind. He wondered why Jesus chased people out of the Temple for playing Bingo.
Old Testament Fairy Tales
Sister Barbara’s sixth grade CCD class was reviewing some Old Testament stories. In recounting the story of Joshua’s victory at the battle of Jericho, one lad got his tales mixed up. He said, “The Israelites surrounded the town of Jericho. Then they huffed and they puffed, and they blew the walls down.”
Saint Paul’s Tenth Missionary Journey?
Sister Barbara was telling the kindergarteners stories about Saint Paul. She explained how he traveled a lot, visiting Christian churches. “Did he come to Newbury?”asked one little boy whose church was St. Helen’s in Newbury, Ohio.
A Logical Answer
A visiting priest from Uganda was presiding at a school Mass. During the homily he asked, “Does anyone know where I come from?”
One child raised his hand and answered, “China.”
The priest’s eyebrows shot up. “China? Why do you say that?”
“Well, everything comes from China,” the boy explained matter-of-factly.
Good Discipline
Sister Mary Adelle was perturbed. During Father’s homily at the school Mass, one of her second graders in the front row was talking and fooling around. Not wanting to cause a disturbance by walking to the front, Sister just leaned forward and in a loud whisper said, “Neil!” Immediately her whole class knelt. One by one the other classes followed suit until the whole student body was kneeling.
The Best Laid Plans . . .
Sister had labored hard to help her students prepare the Friday school Mass. It was almost time for communion, and the liturgy had flowed on without a flaw. Then to Sister’s dismay, a student went up to the microphone and announced, “Our communion hymn is ‘Look Behind.’ ” It was really “Look Beyond.”
Cheers Coming for the Future
For the next few weeks, especially when I’m in Guatemala, I’ll be posting more of these gems. You might ask teachers to recall humorous things that happened in their schools. Tell someone a joke to cheer them up today especially if it’s a dreary day.
Can you recall a funny thing that happened when you were a student or a teacher?
What is one of your favorite jokes?
Has someone you met only once continue to support you like Alan does me? If so, how?
Contagious Laughter
To further bring a smile to your face, here is a video of a baby laughing. Enjoy! There are several of these videos on YouTube.
A Snowy Winter
Snow is winter’s inevitable companion for us who live in Northeastern states. My home is in Geauga County, known as Ohio’s snowbelt. Our province center, its highest point, is wittily called its buckle.
As I write this, snow blankets the ground, flurries are almost nonstop. Snowplows again woke me up around 3:30 a.m. Thanks to Lake Erie’s effect, we will see a few more days of this white stuff falling from the sky. The snow is beautiful as it decorates our pine grove, and sunshine makes it glisten like a field of diamonds. (I always think it was kind of God to make snow white instead of gray, brown, or black!)
Of course, snow has its negative points. We’re used to cars skidding or crashing, frozen car doors, numb fingers and noses, brushing snow off cars, shoveling snow, and putting boots on and taking them off. The other day my car failed to maneuver a turn, and after sliding across two lanes, I ended up on the brink of a gully with the Chagrin River at the bottom. Whew!
Yet, there’s nothing so cozy as sitting in a warm house and, watching through a window painted with lacy ice, large, soft snowflakes drift to earth.
Things to Do Outside
Snow has a starring role in my childhood memories: making snow angels in it, playing King of the Mountain on the mounds in the A&P parking lot, sledding on Ginny Hill, making snowmen, engaging in snowball fights and face washings, going ice skating, and tasting ice cream Mom made from snow like her mom made it in rural Illinois.
I’ve gone cross-country skiing but have yet to do regular skiing. However, I can see lights from the Alpine Valley ski resort on Mayfield Road.
On the Internet is a video of Franciscans frolicking in “Sister Snow.”
Snow Deprived
I feel sorry for people who live where they don’t experience and enjoy all four seasons.
Sisters who are here from Africa to study are delighted to be introduced to snow. Recently Sister Pascalia from Tanzania, well bundled up, ventured out into our courtyard.
A good snowfall is one human experience that Jesus was deprived of because he lived in a desert climate. The most he probably ever knew of snow was viewing snow-capped Mount Hermon in the distance.
This is the lovely pattern of ice that was on my window one year:
Naomi Meets This Phenomenon
Here is an excerpt from my book Book of Ruth: A Tale of Great Loves, in which Naomi experiences snow for the first time.
Happening to glance through the window behind Naomi, Ruth noticed snowflakes drifting down for the first time that year.
“Naomi, it’s snowing!” she shouted and leaped up. She ran to the courtyard door with Naomi close behind her.
“I’ve never seen snow before,” the Israelite woman said. “It doesn’t snow in Bethlehem, and I’ve never traveled far enough north where the snow on the top of Mount Hermon is visible.”
“You’re living high up on a plateau now. Sometimes it even snows in the spring.”
“Let’s go outside,” Ruth said and opened the door.
Naomi followed Ruth, eager to experience her first snowfall. For a few moments she stood still, fascinated by the snow drifting from the sky slowly and softly, decorating the ground, her house, and now her with white crystals. Then, like a child, she twirled around, her arms outspread and her tunic flaring out to form a cone about her.
“These snowflakes are so big and beautiful. They look like the feathers of a white dove,” she said.
Naomi stretched out her hand, and when a few snowflakes landed on it, exclaimed, “They’re cold though!”
“You can catch them on your tongue,” Ruth said and demonstrated. “They won’t hurt you. They’re just water.”
Snowflakes
Snow’s loveliness reflects its all-beautiful Creator. Individual flakes are his delicate works of art. An unproven but common belief is that no two snowflakes are alike. In their uniqueness, snowflakes are like us, handcrafted individually by God. Someone, though, has identified eighty different patterns.
No doubt as a child you learned to cut snowflakes out of white paper.
A parable about a snowflake illustrates the power of one. A branch is laden with snow. One more snowflake lands on it, and that single flake causes the branch to break. That was probably “the last straw.”
Snow in the Bible
The three men thrown into a fiery furnace for their faith sang, “Hoarfrost and snow, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever” (Daniel 3:70).
The whiteness of snow makes it an apt symbol for holiness. Yes, that is why a very good girl in a fairy tale is named Snow White. In Psalm 51:9 we ask God, “Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” And God exhorts us through the prophet to set things right so that “Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).
The clothing of the angel at Jesus’s tomb was white as snow. (Matthew 28:3) God’s glory is perceived as light, which is represented by the color white. Hmm.
Trivia
Did you know there is a word for fear of snow? It’s chionophobia.
A legend about St. Mary Major basilica in Rome gave rise to Mary’s title Our Lady of the Snows.
It’s a common belief that Eskimos have many words for snow. We do too. Can you think of some?
What is your favorite snow memory?
Music about Snow
Haydn wrote the oratorio The Seasons. Here is the part called “Winter,” in which the music is cold and still. You might listen to it while staring at a snowfall and sipping hot cocoa.
If you prefer snow songs that are not classical, here are two “classics”: Bing Crosby’s “Winter Wonderland” and Dean Martin’s “Let It Snow.”
