THURSDAY, May 19

Psalm 50. Our God will come and will not keep silence.

Our seminary chapel was destroyed by fire last year, a tragic loss for our community. The chapel had a gallery overlooking the nave from the rear, with pews ranged in four or five ascending tiers below a massive clear-glass window. If it weren’t toned down by a tattered old curtain (possibly not laundered since the end of the Civil War), the sunlight pouring in would have temporarily blinded the officiant. I liked sitting below that window. At the major worship services, I tended to slip into the highest pew in the gallery and slide into the farthest corner, hoping for a bit of stillness in the midst of all the liturgical hullabaloo.

I did so in full knowledge that the Spirit blows where the Spirit wills, and that when God decides to speak, the silence will not hold out against him. But I have to admit that when it comes to experiencing God, it’s silence I prefer. I am not the only believer for whom the prospect of hearing God’s voice speaking from the whirlwind is something to dread rather than desire. Our God will come and not keep silence, says the psalmist. I think I need the silence to prepare.

PRAY for the Diocese of North Kerala (South India)

Ps 50, [59, 60] or 114, 115; Wisdom 5:9-23; Colossians 2:8-23; Luke 6:39-49

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Quiet Encounter

May 19, 2011 at 8:37 am

Written by Norm,

I agree with today's meditation."... need the silence to prepare." for God's arrival. Not "the last days" arrival but the encounters we can have every day if we are open to seeing and accepting those encounters.

...

May 19, 2011 at 9:04 am

Written by Mike,

I often hear and learn more in the silence

church versus Church

May 19, 2011 at 9:08 am

Written by Steve Doutt,

We discuss this often in our church.
How does a church meet the diverse spiritual needs of the members of the Body of Christ? Is it the role of each church to specialize in a niche. Or should every church try to include everybody? Or, do we try to change the members of the Body to fit what we do as a church?

Associate Holy Cross

May 19, 2011 at 9:22 am

Written by Marco of San Francisco,

Silence works best for me. Fortunately, my Anglo Catholic parish observes silence before and after Mass, until we are in the narthex or even outside. I do
like, appreciate and find High Mass supportive of my spiritual journey, however, it is the Low Mass that is more meaningful.

There are usually enough Episcopal Churches around so that one can find a parish that is truly supportive of their spiritual needs. If the selection of parishes is less, find one where you like the people and rector and try to, yes, fit in.

The parish I left had very warm friendly people, I loved them all. The Anglo Parish where I am now an active member is just the opposite, however, I go to church to worship God and the social aspect is secondary.

Sit in Silence

May 19, 2011 at 10:40 am

Written by Jolly,

I also agree that sitting in silence in best.. When God calmly speaks to us, we have to be listening and that does require silence and being quiet; a form of preparation. Thank you for today's meditation.

...

May 19, 2011 at 10:26 pm

Written by jwm,

Thomas Keating's contemplative centering prayer is a wonderful example.

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