Stillness in a World Full of Turmoil

Charlene Rack reviews a new book that calls Catholics to stay connected to the roots of our faith: Scripture and the sacraments.

When the world around us seems wildly out of balance, and sometimes even a bit scary (as it is now), what we need to do is recall (or relearn) our roots and anchor ourselves steadfastly to them. As children of God, we should know our roots well, and work hard and humbly to stay connected to them. We must trust in God’s wisdom and ways, even when we do not understand or agree.

That’s pretty much what author Msgr. Laurence Spiteri shows us in his book, Stillness in a World Full of Turmoil.

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You will be reminded of the incredible power and importance of the Catholic sacraments and of our heritage as God’s children. We have only to look at Scripture, and the story of salvation history, from the books of the Old Testament to the fulfillment of the New Covenant in Christ, as God has made known to us through Divine revelation. As the Msgr. says, God has called, and continues to call, each of us by name—and He never leaves us.

As you journey through Msgr. Laurence’s book, you will be reminded many times of your roots, our heritage as Children of God. I love the author’s repeated use of the word “roots.” They’re something you have to dig for, and keep pruned and healthy and nourished. I often think that Satan’s most hateful and powerful device is luring us away from our roots in the Catholic Church. Satan has done much to sully the image of the Church, and scatter it’s members, but the fact remains that humans are frail, and will turn to sin if they do not work to stay strong in their faith. Spiteri does not take the sins of the clergy lightly, by any means, but it saddens him that the faithful leave the sacraments, which can provide miraculous healing for hurting and broken hearts. Just remember, St. Peter denied his Lord; St. Augustine was wildly sinful before he gave in to God. Christian history is full of such stories, but still, even today, the roots are stronger than ever.

(And, if you’ve never done a full study of the Bible, I highly recommend you find an option to your liking and sign up. There are online options of podcasts and video series, and local churches might have group studies available. My faith was greatly enriched to learn of the Holy Trinity’s continuity and guidance throughout all of salvation history, up to this very day. And, honestly, you can’t properly nurture your Catholic roots if you don’t know the full richness and beauty of our story.)

My favorite chapter in this book is called “The Silence of God.” In this chapter, Msgr. Spiteri quotes Pope Francis as saying, “Our God is a God of words, gestures, and silences.” And God cannot speak if we are not silent. The Pope challenges us to contemplate Christ crucified and abandoned (i.e., regular reception of the Holy Eucharist, along with adoration of the Exposed Blessed Sacrament!).

Our world is a noisy, busy place, with electronics constantly competing for our attention. Learn from Msgr. Spiteri. Find your roots, learn more about them, spend quiet time with Jesus, and find your place of peace and STILLNESS! It’s the only sane option in the busyness and confusion of our world.

Ask for Stillness in a World Full of Turmoil at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Sophia Institute Press.