“the mysteries of Christ are linked to silence, and only in silence can the word find a place to dwell within us.” ~ Pope Benedict XVI

[The episode of the Magi] "is not a distant story that took place long ago. It is with us now. Here in the sacred Host, he is present before us and in our midst. As at that time, so now he is mysteriously veiled in a sacred silence; as at that time, it is here that the true face of God is revealed." ~ Pope Benedict XVI

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You are the peace of all things calm
You are the place to hide from harm
You are the light that shines in dark
You are the heart's eternal spark
You are the door that's open wide
You are the guest who waits inside
You are the stranger at the door
You are the calling of the poor
You are my Lord and with me still
You are my love, keep me from ill
You are the light, the truth, the way
You are my Saviour this very day.
Amen

(Ancient Celtic Prayer)

Hidden God, whose depths are infinite, Help us shed our outer layers in this silence. Uncover the stranger that is within. Living on the surface, seeing only what is visible, can blind us toward the very thing we need to recognize. Rather than the condemnation we claim upon ourselves and others, guide us to deeper truths though which life emerges. Bring acceptance, clarity and peace up from the sacred chaos. Amen. —Prayer by Janet Salbert

If our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things. ~ 1 John 3:20

"My life is a listening, His is a speaking. My salvation is to hear and respond. For this, my life must be silent. Hence, my silence is my salvation." ~ Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude