Don't Just Do Something; Sit There!

We spend a most of our day doing important things, but do we take time to be still? Lorraine Hess knows it’s easier said than done, but the fruits of silence are endless.

Jesus sets the example  

Then he made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. (Matthew 14: 22-23a) 

This is the scene of the Gospel immediately following the feeding of the thousands with loaves and fish. I am sure Jesus was exhausted from the day. Yet, after His time in prayer, He walked on water. I suppose Jesus could have transitioned directly from multiplying food to walking on the sea, but he didn’t. He took time in between to pray.   

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates a pattern: an ebb and flow of solitude and prayer followed by ministry and miracles. Pray, serve, repeat. Jesus made it look so easy!  

We often long for a little silence, and Jesus shows us the importance of decompressing after our own little miracles. Yes, you achieved a miracle today by the grace of God! Miracles like searching the entire house for a uniform jersey, and frosting cupcakes at midnight for the class party you just found out about three hours ago. And don’t forget the superpower of getting everyone to practice, rehearsal, and tutoring … on time! You should wear a cape!  

Silence helps us discern  

Jesus began His ministry with 40 days in the dessert, but He continued to practice this silence throughout His ministry to quiet Himself to hear the voice of God revealing to Him what was next. This time in prayer not only rejuvenated him; it also helped Him discern.  

We can only imagine the rest He needed in His grueling ministry as fully human, although also fully God. Jesus didn’t just do something; He sat there … to give thanks, rest, and contemplate what God wanted from Him next. 

Silence opens our ears in a noisy world  

Some people are uncomfortable with silence. It can be awkward. Yet, it is in the silence that we hear what was just spoken. For example, a great comedian pauses after the punchline of a joke so we can process the punchline after it was spoken, not while it was said. Without the pause, we would miss it.  

My mom used say when I was growing up, “Shh, I can’t hear myself think.” In other words, I can’t think with all this noise. The world is noisy! On purpose! Television, radio, kids, our cell phones, all competing for our attention by getting louder and louder, so they win us over. Jesus revealed to us by His example that’s not how to get things done. 

Silence is not the absence of something  

If we approach the concept of silence as the absence of something, we miss its purpose. Instead, silence is the space we create to think and listen. It is not an empty void of nothingness; it is room for clarity, conversation with God, and rest for our bodies and minds.  

At Mass, the moments of silence give us an avenue to absorb the Word, to reflect on the Eucharist. As a music minister, I use silence (just the right amount) between parts of the Mass so the assembly can experience “what just happened.”   

A friend of mine worked as an intern at a radio station one summer, and she learned the importance of seamless broadcasting, which meant, “no dead airtime.” As a society, we have become accustomed to this seamless noise on the radio, in the car, on our televisions, and in social media.  

But I don’t have time to sit still!  

How do we combat the noise, so we can pray, serve, repeat? It must be deliberate. With repetition and routine, we can make it a habit. I know what you’re thinking. “This is pie-in-the-sky fluff.” Stay with me!  If we have time to post something on social media, we have time to be still instead. The world can do without our social media wisdom of the day. If we have time to wash our hands, we have time to pray. If we have time alone in the car, is it necessary to turn on the radio the whole ride? Remember, radio is continuous noise anyway, so whatever you are missing will be reported again … and again, and again.  

God has much to say, but God whispers. The Lord is more subtle. God waits. Our stillness is a choice.  

When I was pregnant with my fourth child, I was put on three days of bedrest (like Jonah in the whale and Jesus in the tomb.) It was in those quiet days that I heard to voice of God speak to me about what would become my vocation as a music director — which led to composing, speaking, leading parish missions, days of reflection, concerts, and retreats. Sadly, the life of my unborn child had to be threatened for me to be still and listen. But those three days changed my life.  

Where in your day can you carve out room for silence? If you make an effort, God will provide. 

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Copyright 2024 Lorraine Hess
Images: Canva; Bible quote image created in Canva by the author