Embracing Sacred Silence

     “We must cultivate that sacred silence which makes people remember the words of Jesus: “See how they love one another.” How often we find ourselves speaking of the faults of another. How often our conversation is about someone who is not present. Yet see the compassion of Christ toward Judas, the man who received so much love yet betrayed his own Master. But the Master kept the sacred silence and did not betray Judas. Jesus could have easily spoken in public – as we do – telling the hidden intentions and deeds of Judas to others. But He didn't, instead He showed mercy and charity. Rather than condemning Judas, He called him friend.        Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta



     Cultivating sacred silence goes against our grain. Keeping secret the faults of others is a challenge to us. Why is it that we struggle with this so? Why can’t we be loving, compassionate, and kind instead? Why do we like to expose another’s “nakedness?” Why do we often want to betray those who have betrayed us?


     Part of the problem is our lack of love or the shallowness with which we love. Our love is often conditional and exact. We love people when they are easy to love, and join in the conversations to knock them down when they dismay us by their actions.

     Another reason we expose the faults of others is an attempt, on our part, to feel better about ourselves. We make the prideful judgment that we are “above” them when, in fact, our own annoyances are probably the topic of conversation to many!

     “Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining (1Peter 4 vs. 8-9).

     There are always going to be people we don’t like, who let us down, who just rub us the wrong way. But they too are God’s children and our brothers and sisters in Christ. God calls us to love them as He does, as difficult as that can be at times. One way we can begin, is by practicing sacred silence, when we are tempted to speak out about their shortcomings and faults.

     Bringing your relationship struggles to your spiritual direction or a trusted confidant is much different than exposing the faults of others to many. Looking at the entire situation, including your own actions, in the light of the Holy Spirit, can often be enlightening. It can help to soften our heart toward the person with whom we struggle and short-circuit our need to “tell the world” all about them!

     We have to remember that we are far from perfect, and give the same benefit to others. Let us begin to look for the good in others, when we are tempted to see only their faults – and speak of their good instead! How different our world would be if we would all embrace this practice.

     Imitating Jesus by showing love, compassion and mercy to the “Judas’” in our lives, will begin to bear great fruit to ourselves, as well as them. It is a heroic virtue we are striving to live, but with the grace of God and the intercession of Blessed Mother Teresa, may we achieve it.

     In doing so, we will bring a smile to the face of Jesus and delight to His heart. Listen as He exclaims, “See how they love one another!”