THE ROSARY IS THE COMPENDIUM OF THE GOSPEL, SEASON IV, PART 2

A TIME FOR THE ROSARY, A TIME FOR SILENCE

Today, let's look at an important dimension of the prayer of the Holy Rosary: SILENCE! Solitude and meditative prayer.

Speaking of the importance of silence in prayer, our Holy Father said, “Only in silence can find the Word a place to dwell within us. This principle holds true for individual prayer, but also for our liturgies which, to facilitate authentic listening, must also be rich in moments of silence and of non verbal acceptance. Silence has the capacity to open a space in our inner being, a space in which God can dwell, which can ensure that His Word remains within us, and that love for Him is rooted in our minds and hearts, and animates our lives".

In praying the Rosary, we join Mary in prayer in her contemplative silence. Mary prayed in the silence of her heart contemplating on God’s words to her and this is recorded by Saint Luke, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19).

How do I know that silence is the best way of being with God? Firstly, the masters of all religions agree that the most intimate union between God and the soul happens in silence. Secondly, the Bible confirms the value of silence. Here are just three examples: "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him." (Psalm 37:7) "Be silent all flesh before the Lord." (Zephaniah 2:13) Thirdly, Mother Mary requested in Fatima that when we pray the rosary, we spend fifteen minutes in silence. Thus, "In the silence of the heart, remain with Jesus, so that He may change and transform you with His love."

Why then should we not skip all those words and mysteries and just remain in silence? We may look silent from the outside, but inside our mind is often chatting up a storm or falling asleep. It is more efficient to follow God into silence. On the other hand, it takes practice and discipline, no matter what method of prayer the Spirit leads you to achieve total silence in prayer.

In the words of Thomas Merton, "May we all grow in grace and peace, and not neglect the silence that is printed in the centre of our being. It will not fail us."
Amen

To be Continued...

Our Lady, Help of Christians, Pray for us

#Ave_Maria🧕🏽
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