Last week I began writing about silence in the Liturgy and covered the moment of silence that comes after the homily. I plan to continue writing about the topic of silence, and this column includes a long quote from a book I was reading a couple of days ago that fits in with this theme.
“These ways of being at Mass constitute full, active, and conscious participation in it. The priest can greatly assist his people in such participation by being generous with liturgical silence. Silence is a great and rare treasure in the world, and the Liturgy calls for it. The priest can offer this silence, especially after the homily and after Communion. Several minutes of silence! While it will take a little getting used to, if the priest will teach his people what to do with the silence (to acknowledge what stirs in their hearts, to relate these movements to God with trust and honesty, to rest and receive any particular felt experience of God’s love, presence, power, to listen for the voice of God inspiring a personal response), the great prayer of the Mass will become more and more a prayerful and transforming encounter with the living God.” (Fr. Scott Traynor, The Parish as a School of Prayer).
It is amazing what God provides for us. I was not looking for a quote, but here is one that provides some good food for thought.
Just a note: I will be in Chicago, on retreat (class), from Sunday, October 18 after Mass until late in the evening of Monday, October 26. Please pray for me and know of my prayers for y’all. During this time, if there are any emergencies, call the Combined office and leave a message. I thank Fr. Michael Goodavish for celebrating Masses the weekend I am away. He is from the Diocese of St. George in Granada and will be speaking on behalf of Food for the Poor. Please welcome Fr. Goodavish.
Fr. Thomas P. Galarneault