The Power of Silence

09-22-2024Weekly ReflectionJen Arnold, M.A.

Have you ever noticed how we are so constantly surrounded by noise that when we unexpectedly find ourselves in a moment of silence, it's deafening? In our fast-paced world, we are hit with noise from all kinds of various sources, all competing with one another for our attention. We are bombarded with technology, news, work, family, tasks, busyness, images, relationships, and more. It can be overwhelming. Moreover, because we sit in silence so infrequently, it can be uncomfortable, so we often even seek out noise to distract us from our discomfort. While noise isn't necessarily bad and is even sometimes necessary, it is not conducive to improving our spiritual health. Silence is essential for spiritual growth, inner peace, and a deeper connection with the divine.

Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, wrote a book called The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise, in which he examines the effects the noise of the modern world has on us and the necessity of silence to lead us into a deeper relationship with God and a more meaningful existence. The seeds for this book were planted during a friendship he formed with Brother Vincent-Marie of the Resurrection, beginning in 2014. Brother Vincent suffered from multiple sclerosis, which deprived him of the use of speech. Despite his inability to speak, he communicated spiritual strength through his emotions, resilience, and smile. Cardinal Sarah would speak to his friend, never hearing a word in return, and yet still be profoundly affected by his holiness and virtue. After Brother Vincent's death, Cardinal Sarah decided to explore the power of silence further at La Grande Chartreuse, a Carthusian monastery in the French Alps where the monks live a quiet, contemplative life. His book is the fruit of his time there, from which I will draw out a few key points.

Cardinal Sarah critiques the modern world’s obsession with noise, which he describes as a “dictatorship” that distracts and distances us from our spiritual selves. He notes that "the modern world generates so much noise" that finding moments of silence has become increasingly difficult, yet more crucial than ever. This noise, he argues, is not just auditory but also the constant barrage of information and stimuli that prevent us from turning inward and connecting with God. He warns that the “hell of noise” makes it nearly impossible to encounter God and suggests that many of our societal and personal issues stem from this disconnection.

In response to the dictatorship of noise, Cardinal Sarah says, “Silence is more important than any other work” because it “expresses God.” He sees silence as a revolutionary force that can lead us toward God and others, fostering humility and service. This idea challenges the notion that action and noise are the primary drivers of change, suggesting instead that true transformation begins in the quiet moments of reflection and prayer. Cardinal Sarah’s call to embrace silence is not an invitation to withdraw from the world, but rather to engage with it more deeply and meaningfully.

According to Cardinal Sarah, silence is the “indispensable doorway to the divine.” He says that, in silence, we can hear the voice of God in the depths of our hearts. God will not use a bullhorn to speak to us, so we must cultivate the silence necessary to hear his soft voice. When we choose to be distracted by noise, we put those distractions in competition with God. Sarah asks, “Can those who do not know silence ever attain truth, beauty, or love?” These things are only attainable through the quietude that allows for introspection and spiritual listening. Cardinal Sarah says, “God's first language is silence,” suggesting that silence is essential for understanding and experiencing the divine presence. He emphasizes that silence is not merely the absence of noise, but an interior condition of that soul that allows for a profound encounter with God.

Further, Cardinal Sarah also discusses the importance of silence in liturgical practices, stating that it is a “cardinal law” of the liturgy. Silence in the liturgy allows for a deeper participation in the mystery of the divine, fostering a sacred space where individuals can encounter God more intimately. He laments the lack of silence in modern liturgical celebrations and underscores the need for silence to maintain the sanctity and reverence of the Eucharist.

Silence is also a great weapon against Satan. The Carthusians at the monastery pray throughout the night, which is an incredibly powerful practice. In the introduction to the book is a quote from St. Isaac the Syrian’s Ascetical Homilies:

Prayer offered up at night possesses a great power, more than the prayer of the day-time. Therefore all the righteous prayed during the night, while combatting the heaviness of the body and the sweetness of sleep and repelling corporeal nature…There is nothing that even Satan fears so much as prayer that is offered during the vigilance at night…For this reason the devil smites them with violent warfare, in order to hinder them, if possible, from this work…But those who have resisted his wicked stratagems even a little, who have tasted the gifts of God that are granted during vigil, and who have experienced in themselves the magnitude of God’s help that is always nigh to them, utterly disdain him and all his devices.

Fortunately for us, Cardinal Sarah acknowledges that living a Carthusian life of complete silence is not feasible for most people, so he suggests that we proactively seek to cultivate opportunities for more silence in our lives. Let’s look at a few practical examples:

Create Silent Spaces: Designate a specific time and place each day for silence. This could be a corner of your home, a garden, or a church.

Limit Noise Exposure: Be mindful of the amount of noise you consume, whether from media, social media, or constant background music. Consider periods of digital detox to reduce mental clutter.

Practice Mindful Listening: Use moments of silence to listen deeply — to your thoughts, your heart, and the presence of God.

Attend a Silent Retreat: Many religious orders offer silent retreats or days of reflection. These provide wonderful, concentrated periods of silence to connect with God.

Incorporate Silence into Prayer: Allow silence to be a part of your prayer life. You don’t have to do all the talking.

Have a Regular Holy Hour: Go to the adoration chapel at least once per week. Since Satan hates it when we pray at night, imagine the power of going to Eucharistic Adoration in the late-night hours. Try it! 

This week, find some time to think about noise as a dictatorship commanding your attention and your silence as the revolution against it. Use this powerful imagery to lead you to conviction regarding the amount of noise you allow into your life. Identify unnecessary noise and make an actionable plan to eliminate it. For most of us, there is always room for improvement. Be intentional about using your new spaces and times of silence as places for connecting with God.