Silence is an essential spiritual practice for anyone wanting to enter more deeply into the mystery of God's love for us in Jesus. Taking fifteen minutes once or twice a day to sit in the middle of life as it unfolds without saying anything or trying to understand, we give ourselves to God without explanation or expectation and we do this in memory of the Christ who lived and hung upon the the cross for us. When we choose to be quiet like this, inside and out, we usually see more clearly, but not necessarily understand more of God's plan. Rather, in silence we make ourselves available to God for whatever God intends. This kind of abandonment is difficult but necessary, especially during the Sacred Triduum.
Good Friday is a good time to look quietly upon the cross, or in the words of St Clare of Assisi, to gaze upon the God who gave his life for us. There are no words to adequately articulate this mystery, and although we try, there is no making sense of God's incredible sacrifice. God wants to be near us for eternity and so does the unthinkable. God dwells among us, suffers and dies so that we might know more completely the depth of his love. We could never imagine this, nor would we want God to die. Death is Jesus' choice, not to exalt suffering for itself, but to submit himself to his Father's will for our salvation.
Defying the authorities, Jesus speaks of freedom from the law as the only way to observe the law, and for this the Jewish authorities condemn him. Only when we let go of the law as a path to salvation are we able to meet the Christ who embodies the law. Union with Christ is the fulfillment of the law and the goal, not only of Good Friday, but of the Christian life itself.
Today, find fifteen or twenty minutes to be quiet with God. There is no need to say anything.
How difficult is it for you to sit quietly in the presence of God?
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