Silent Meditation
Today I was awakened by the rain. It has been raining most of the night and yesterday's heat has dissipated. The work of replenishing the ground has begun.
For as rain and snow fall from the heavens and return not again, but water the earth, Bringing forth life and giving growth, seed for sowing and bread for eating, So is my word that goes forth from my mouth; it will not return to me empty; But it will accomplish that which I have purposed, and prosper in that for which I sent it. - isaiah 55:8-11
I chose these words from Isaiah to contemplate this morning as I prepare for a full day of training at Holy Cross Monastery on the Hudson River in West Park, New York.
It is a beautiful and peaceful place and we begin the morning in silence, respecting the day God has given us.
We are supposed to silence our minds as well. I have a hard time with that, as you can see.
The image of my thoughts and words going out into the world to do God's work stuck in my mind as I read this. There is a huge responsibility in thinking that way, a responsibility for saying and doing the types of things that will generate positive energy.
If I had to think before I uttered a single word, what would I say?
The silence makes it easy. I don't have to worry about saying the wrong things. I can smile and nod and eat my breakfast without disturbing the natural order of things around me.
Beut we are not meant to be silent observers in this world. Wee are called to speak and to do. It is part of who we are as God's children.
Words released cannot be taken back; words can inflict pain.
In this politically correct world we live in today, you would think we would be better at keeping the harmful words silent, but we often fail in that.
Instead, we hurt each other and get even angrier when we do.
Today and tomorrow, as I start the day in silence, I will think about the words I use and pray that none of the harmful ones have a chance too form and slip out.
That is my silent meditation. May it stay with me after I leave this place.
More to come...