Teaching about Christ begins in silence.... In so far as the Church proclaims the Word, it falls down silently in truth before the inexpressible: 'In silence I worship the unutterable' (Cyril of Alexandria). The spoken Word is the inexpressible; this unutterable is the Word.... Although it is cried out by the Church in the world, it remains the inexpressible. To speak of Christ means to keep silent; to keep silent about Christ means to speak. When the Church speaks rightly out of a proper silence, then Christ is proclaimed.
Today's text on silence reminded me of what St. Francis of Assisi said. "Preach the gospel and use words if necessary!" Proclamation that comes from silent heart deepens the silence!
Msgr. Alex Rebello
The last sentence in this quotation of Bonhoeffer really helps me to grasp a little better his meaning in the preceding ones. Also, I think my experience attending a Quaker meeting sheds some light on what Bonhoeffer is getting at. When the Friends are gathered and have become deeply silent in their spirits, emptying out all noise of thought, and listening in faith that the Spirit of God is present,once in awhile it can happen that out of this silent waiting, a Word will be spoken. A Holy silence is the "proper context" in which to hear and receive words which point to the inexpressible unutterable Word of God.
Yet I do believe there could be other contexts when God speaks, since for Her all things are possible; yet as we are told, it is good and necessary to: "Be still and know that I am God."
I've heard that God only speaks when it is absolutely necessary, similar to what Msgr. Alex Rebello said.
What I have read in scripture, to paraphrase, along with my experience so far, is that God doesn't get in to long conversations, and also that He doesn't interrupt while (we) are yaking along. He waits and speaks in small quiet ways. We need to be quiet to hear Him, one can not be talking and listening at the same time, and then only share the few brief words that He speaks. For these words will be more than sufficient for any situation.
Respectfully offered,
Deanna J
Sometimes I share these reflections with a friend who doesn't have a computer. Her response to this one was:
I think this tells me why I just can't stand being part of a church congregation. Congregations are always so busy doing stuff, fundraising and meetings, rehearsals and choir practise, there isn't any time left over for resting quietly, responding quietly to a need right there in front of them.
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