The world begins the year with noisemakers, fireworks, and cacophony. The Church begins the year at the manger with Mary, treasuring "all these things" and "reflecting on them in her heart." The world begins the year with a noisy night; we Christians begin with "silent night." That which begins with a bang often ends in "dead silence." That which begins in "live silence" often ends in a bang, which changes the world. The Lord commands us, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps 46:10, RSV-CE). He assures us, "By waiting and by calm you shall be saved, in quiet and in trust your strength lies" (Is 30:15). The "better part" is to sit at the Lord's feet and listen to His words (see Lk 10:39, 42). As we begin this new year, let us be "quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (Jas 1:19). In silence, there is revelation, joy, and peace. "It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord" (Lam 3:26). "Silence, all mankind, in the presence of the Lord! For He stirs forth from His holy dwelling" (Zec 2:17). |