Silence

Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Matthew 27:11-14


We arrived home after a long car trip and the bustle of New York City. Everyone seems to be plugged in while they walk the streets, talking on phones, texting or listening to music. So much noise on the streets, car horns and sirens that one can be overwhelmed and miss what is being said in conversation. There is something very solid and comforting about the silence, the quiet of the evening, as the light settles slowly in the west. There is a reverence and a thoughtfulness in the silence, a sense of home and security that noise and busy-ness can never provide.

Today in our Gospel, Jesus is on trial for his life. His answer is not defense but rather silence, a deep trusting of the Creator to bring the world back into balance and to accomplish what God had set out to do. His silence is neither ignorance or fear, something we know all too well, but rather, is the willingness to stand and listen to the activity of God. It is a solid trust in an infinite and active love.

Today, I ask God to help me settle in and be silent, in order to listen to the heart of God. May we all take time to listen and breath, trusting God to love us beyond the trails of today, and provide us direction for tomorrow. Not every question has an answr today, but God has abundant love for us all and more than enough solutions for all of our tomorrows.