"Silence and Word: path of evangelization"

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

What a joy to read this in Zenit :

The Vatican announced today the theme for the next World Day of Communications: “Silence and Word: path of evangelization.”

…“The extraordinarily varied nature of the contribution of modern communications to society highlights the need for a value which, on first consideration, might seem to stand in contra-distinction to it,” the Vatican communiqué noted. "In the thought of Pope Benedict XVI, silence is not presented simply as an antidote to the constant and unstoppable flow of information that characterizes society today but rather as a factor that is necessary for its integration.

“Silence, precisely because it favors habits of discernment and reflection, can in fact be seen primarily as a means of welcoming the word.”

The Vatican message discouraged a “dualism” in considering the elements of silence and communication, instead highlighting their complementary nature – “two elements which when they are held in balance serve to enrich the value of communication and which make it a key factor that can serve the new evangelization”…Underlining is mine

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How we need this silence the Pope is inviting us into, that we may listen to God’s Word before we even attempt to communicate! May we like Our Lady, Star of the New Evangelization, listen and keep His Word in our hearts. Like her may we also do the Truth we hear.

 

[Earnest_Bunbury]

Whenever I see “dualism” or “dualistic”, I read what is described very carefully. The problem is that, in the hierarchy of truth, things viewed and considered at the superficial level appear to be contradictory. It is in their deeper meaning and considered as in their ontological (being in reality) relation in the higher levels of truth that apparent contradictions unite and lead further upward to true principles established by God in creation, Who is the transcendent source of all truth.

We should be the truth we receive. It is when we are full of the grace filled source of all truth that we can “do”. The worldly error is in thinking we need to speak louder or call attention to ourselves to show the world an example of a good Christian. A Catholic should be a well, not a canal, and be filled. From this fullness comes true giving: John 7:38 “He that believeth in me, as the scripture saith, Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water”.

The angel at Fatima did not say Twitter, Twitter, Twitter… but said “Penance, Penance, Penance”. It is the world that will not be silent to listen and receive the Truth of God that penance for them is needed. We fail to hear this if we are too hastily giving and not being, of which “being” is in itself a giving to God and is a prayer and worship given to Him.

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear Earnest,

Thanks for your reply. Interesting that I read your comment about the angel at Fatima, today, on this First Saturday of October. Yes, I agree penance is needed for our own sins and for the sins of all the world. The spirit of the world is not a “quiet, listening spirit”, yet we are called to listen and to let our light shine that the Father may be glorified. Like Mary at the foot of the cross, surrounded by the noise of the crowd we can, by His Grace, still Listen to the Word.

I believe it was Bl. John Paul II who commented on John’s taking Mary “into his own” that the original Greek did not have the word “home” added, as most of our translations do, but rather the Greek implies that John took her into his “being”; that is, into his very life. I believe that is what we are called to do in our devotion to Mary, to take her into our lives that we may learn to listen as she did and to love as she did in this world.

By God’s Grace and Our Lady’s intercession and example, may we listen and live the Truth we hear. Jesus said:

Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Mt. 12 ;48-50)

On this First Saturday of October, may we offer reparation to the Immaculate Heart, and seek to be more like Mary in keeping God’s Word in our hearts and living His Word. May we learn to be true “evangelizers” (bringing the Good News of Jesus) to others, daily.