Our world and modern society are always on the go. Stillness is often mistaken for complacency, and silence can feel uncomfortable in an age of constant motion. My own tendency toward restlessness has, through the years, been tempered by grace. God continues to teach me to stop and smell the roses, to recognize that His presence is not found in frantic activity but in peaceful surrender
We live in a culture of instant gratification and seamless delivery, always connected and always consuming. Yet Holy Scripture reminds us of something different. When the prophet Elijah sought the Lord, he did not find Him in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11–12). Likewise, Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16), retreating to the wilderness to commune with His Father and to rest from the crowds.
If the Son of God needed silence and solitude, how much more do we?
We must learn to look to the stillness and quiet of our hearts. It is there, in the sacred silence, that the Holy Spirit speaks. Modern distractions such as smartphones, social media, and endless notifications tempt us to fill every moment with noise. We scroll, post, and capture memories through a dozen photos, yet rarely dwell in the moment itself. This noise is not the voice of God. More often, it is the roaring lion of distraction (1 Peter 5:8), seeking to pull us away from the gentle whisper that brings peace.
As we recently celebrated the Solemnities of All Saints and All Souls, we are reminded of those who have gone before us. Men and women who, through prayer and humility, learned the value of silence. Saints like Teresa of Avila, who said, “The Lord walks among the pots and pans,” and Thérèse of Lisieux, who found holiness in the hidden simplicity of daily life, teach us that sanctity grows in quiet trust.
How can we silence the anxiety of our busy world and allow Jesus to enter deeply into our hearts? Perhaps by reclaiming small moments of silence before meals, at the end of the day, or during a morning commute to whisper like Samuel, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10).
When we make room for stillness, we make room for Christ. And when Christ dwells within us, our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities can glimpse His light shining through us.
Moments Of Reflection:
When was the last time I paused long enough to listen for the gentle whisper of the Lord?
What moments in my day could I offer back to God in silence rather than distraction?
How can I help create a peaceful space in my home, workplace, or parish that allows others to encounter Christ’s presence?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You withdrew from the crowds to speak with Your Father in silence and peace. Teach me to find that same stillness in my own heart. Quiet the noise of the world around me, calm my anxieties, and help me to listen for Your voice. May Your Spirit guide my thoughts, my words, and my actions so that others may see Your love shining through me. Amen.
StreetEvangelist 