I just arrived back to Rome yesterday after a week-long silent retreat in the mountains of Italy. It was a long, but grace-filled time. It was long because seven days of silence is difficult, especially for someone who has grown up in this modern world of ours where there is so much noise, constantly. And yet, as difficult as silence can be, we all know how necessary it is to find some periods of silence in our lives. Silence allows us to think, to remember, to reflect. But most of all it is in this silence where we can hear the voice of God in prayer:
God said to Elijah the prophet:
‘Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD.’ And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave (1 Kings, 19:11-13, RSV).
This Scripture passage is often quoted in connection with silent retreats and for good reason. It clearly reminds us that if we are to hear God’s voice we must be willing to move past the distractions and noise which constantly seek to consume our time and energy, and in a word, us. But, as we all know, this willingness on our part is not always easy to come by. Sometimes, I think, we like the noise precisely because it distracts us. Perhaps we are fearful of hearing God speak to us like He did to Elijah? What if God really does love me? What if God really does have a plan for my life? What if God really is calling me to turn from false gods that I have made and turn to Him who is the fullness of Truth and Love?
Anyway, the retreat proved to be a wonderful time and silence played a large role in this. In particular, I am thankful for the fact that during it a few things that I have been “wrestling” with for these past few months finally came together in such a way that I can move on. Without delving into too many of the details (which would probably bore you), a few “philosophical” problems have plagued me for awhile, but through a few good reads (thank you St. Thomas Aquinas!) and some time for silent, thoughtful reflection I found the answers which I have been searching for. Thank you to those of who said a prayer for me.
Tomorrow I begin classes at Santa Croce. I am a bit excited and a bit nervous. I know that my Italian is still rather poor and it’ll take some time to get used to everything. But, with the Lord’s help and that of my fluent classmates I think that things will work out.
The real exciting news, however, is the fact that this week is ordination week. Already many guests have arrived here in Rome and at the NAC and in the next few days even more will be coming. Dave Carrano and Greg Ihm, two classmates of mine from Madison, will be ordained to the diaconate on Thursday morning (this is the step right before being ordained a priest for those of you who may not know). To celebrate this occasion many priests from the diocese of Madison are coming to visit as well as Bishop Morlino. It’ll be nice to see real, living Wisconsinites! And, of course, it’ll be great to see Dave and Greg ordained in St. Peter’s Basilica. Hopefully I can get a few good pictures for next week!
After this week I expect that things will begin to slow down and routine will set in. I am looking forward to this. There is something nice about having a routine, especially when one has not had one for some time now. But, this is not to say that I won’t enjoy all of the organized disorder of this week while it lasts.
I hope that all is well for each of you who are taking the time to read this. Know of my prayers for you.
Scott
