This past week I stayed at a Hermitage (very small house) at Desales Center in Brooklyn, MI. It was over five days of silence. Preparing for this retreat I chose to read “War and Peace” (but did get a 300-page head start the week before) and the Gospel of Luke. I brought my own food, did not cook, and kept things very simple.
Each day I would read Tolstoy for an hour or so, and then take a brief walk through the woods to the chapel. In the chapel I would go up the stairs to the balcony and then read a chapter of Luke. This process would be repeated 7-9 times each day. Beyond that I would take two or three naps each day. To liven things up just a bit I would listen to Tchaikovsky during a few of my reading sessions.
Well within the first day my mind was cleared of whatever I was carrying in with me. Through the silence, focus was amazing and reading comprehension was the best it has ever been. Simple food tasted better, even aches and pains diminished. Sounds pretty good, yes? It was. It should also be noted that the silence was a form of prayer.
So, what did I learn?
Silence creates focus that can then bring clarity. The more we search and find silence it may become our greatest teacher.
Silence allows us to be taught to listen and to retain.
Our world is often very loud and busy and chaotic that can drive us away from who we are meant to be as followers of Jesus.
In whatever we do it is best to do it with a level of passion. The best possible outcomes will likely follow.
As we move through our stewardship season and on to Advent the goal for us should be to establish the highest level of passion possible for the Mission of St. John. That passion once achieved will help create the strongest response to the challenge as possible.
The best way to explore the issue of passion would be to ask yourself the questions;
"What do I like or love about St. John?”
“Who are the people I care most about at St. John?”
“Why is it important for me to see the Mission of St. John grow?”
Exploring these questions should elevate your interest and enthusiasm for all that we are. Do not back away from your passion but really lean into it and that is where you will find Jesus waiting to walk with you!
Peace, Pastor Mark
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