“silent night”
“Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart.” —Luke 2:19
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).
Prayer: Father, on this day of prayer for peace, make us peacemakers (Mt 5:9), even if we have to suffer for peace (see Col 1:20).
Promise: “The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” —Nm 6:24-26
Praise: Praise Jesus, eternal Son of God and incarnate Son of Mary!
Reference: (Do you know about our Bible Telephone Line? Call 513-823-3111 for a brief inspiring message each day based on the Scripture readings for the day.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.