Over at the Register for the First Time in 2020!

Today, we must all appeal to Heaven for Peace on Earth.

Silent

Every year, I use the Saint Generator and the word generator.  This year, what struck me was the word.  Silent. 

It is something missing from my heart, from my writing.  The breathing in and out that needs to take place to find yourself somewhere other than where you've been before, isn't there. It's not because I'm not trying.  It is because, I think my writing is holding its breath so to speak. 

My prayer life likewise suffers from a dryness.  It is indicative of too much talking on my part, and not enough listening.  Being at adoration, I know myself to be talking to God, not listening.  So when the word says, "Silent," I know it is the Holy Spirit telling me, be still and know I am here. 

This past week, I wrote a piece for WINE, Women in the New Evangelization, and the scripture given to me, involved the story of Samuel going to the temple and hearing himself called and going to Eli.  Eli finally realizes, God is speaking to Samuel and tells him to say, "Speak Lord, your servant is listening." 

The waiting in prayer is part of being willing to trust God.  Silent is the word to remind me, to let myself listen. 

I bring this up because I'm wondering as I write this, if I'm to put aside writing for a time or if it's more about how I should approach writing, with more reading, more silence before beginning.  It's something to consider, which if I'm honest, I've been too busy with all that life entails, to allow myself to consider.   I need to be silent to let myself consider. 

I received Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.  I'd found two others but lost their names and had to redo.  However, the third attempt left me with the Saint I first adopted, as my confirmation saint. It was like reconnecting with an old friend.  I'm hoping she'll help me learn to be silent enough to listen. 

Want a word for the year?  Go here.
Want a saint for the year?  Go here!

The raw coldness of the night didn't change, and the place still smelled. Their food was stale, a meager feast on that great long first night When into the world God Willed Himself to be born and experience all Not because He Hadn't, but so that we would know He knows, all that a life of free will involves. He would know hunger, He would know pain He would know death, and still, He would love us. The great question "Why?" would He allow Himself to suck in the cold air, or to taste the thin food? Why would He let himself go through growing up, being revealed, being betrayed? Why would He let Himself bother When we've shown ourselves to be so willing to hate? Because the warmth not found in the air at the feast He prepares every day Comes from nothing less than the infinite heart of God Who wants to break into our hearts and offers Himself willingly so that However we come to Know Him better as a babe, a rabbi, or on the cross We will long to call Him friend and reach for Him like the Lover He is