The hush of stillness beckons us to pause and reflect on the chaos of our lives. Yet, in our fast-paced world, we often overlook the quiet beauty that surrounds us. We fail to embrace the tranquil wonder of our surroundings because we are too consumed with noise and constant movement.
It's no wonder then that we have a scarcity of two vital components in our society: silence and mercy. Let's take a moment to delve into the depths of these two concepts.
Mercy. A simple word with a powerful meaning - compassion and forgiveness bestowed upon someone who doesn't deserve it. In a world that often thrives on retribution and justice, mercy is a rarity. But it is in the moments of silence that we can truly contemplate the weight and significance of mercy. It is in the stillness that we can open our hearts to forgive and show compassion to those who have wronged us.
Silence. The mere thought of it may make some cringe, as it is often associated with boredom or loneliness. But true silence is a gift. It is a chance to tune out the noise and distractions of the world and focus on our inner thoughts. In the midst of our hectic lives, we often neglect to make time for silence. Yet, it is in these moments of quiet contemplation that we can truly listen to our own thoughts and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
So let us not undervalue the importance of silence and mercy in our lives. They may seem like fleeting concepts in a world that values loudness and justice, but in reality, they hold immense power and can bring about positive change.
So consider over the next year to embrace silence and make room for mercy in our hearts. You may be pleasantly surprised by the impact they can have on our lives and the world.
Shifting our Focus: From Chasing Approval to Embracing Christ's Love.
As men, we often measure our worth based on the opinions of others, rather than finding it in our relationship with Christ. But, in order to truly know God, we must introspect and learn from our interactions with others. St. Joseph embodies this truth through his example of profound silence. Let us devote ourselves for the next year to spiritual practices, the fundamentals of our Faith, guiding our wives and children towards Jesus, and finding solace in the stillness of God's presence.
By becoming still and reflecting, we can uncover God's will for our lives, just as Joseph calls us to create a home for Jesus within us. Without prayer, how can we truly discern our purpose and God's will? Let us not be consumed by busyness and seeking validation from others, but instead find our worth in God's affirmation.
