Seek silence and listen for the Lord

Have you ever taken time to contemplate where you are meant to be or what are you called to do?

If you had told me, just a few years ago, that I would leave the corporate world in my prime and go work for the Church, I would think you were crazy. Why would I walk away from private-sector compensation with lucrative bonuses, international travel and entertaining clients at great restaurants or sporting venues?

As great as that was, there was something deep within me that was missing. I didn’t feel a sense of living my life’s purpose or doing what God intended for me. After much prayer, contemplation — and recurring bouts of questioning my trust in God’s plan — I finally acknowledged that the knot in my stomach was indicative of my earthly desire to retain my lifestyle which was prohibiting me from being truly open to God’s will.

I pray that during this time of Lent, we all have an opportunity to find a quiet place and spend some time listening for God’s will in our lives. I attribute a past Lenten fast as the catalyst for my taking action. I love music and many years ago, I decided to turn off my car radio during Lent.  The silence was uncomfortable at first; many times, I would turn on the radio out of habit, but would catch myself and turn it off. These quiet moments during my commute enabled me to focus on Jesus’ love for me. I quickly became less afraid and more confident in accepting where I was meant to be.

There is something so peaceful about being in silence while calling to mind the presence of our Lord with us. I believe that is something we all hunger for. Something we all desire, but struggle to realize. Scripture provides us with many examples that in times of deep prayer and contemplation — Jesus went away to find solitude. He went to the desert, up the mountain, or out on a boat. He did these things so we may learn and follow His example. We don’t necessarily need to physically go to any of these places, but if we just turn off the car radio or go for a walk without earbuds — that may provide the oasis of peace we need to attune our hearts to God’s message for us.

I wish I didn’t, but more than three years later, I sometimes still question that decision about leaving the corporate world and fight a desire to return. When I feel this struggle, I tell myself to trust Jesus. I then seek solitude and, before long, an inner peace returns. To receive God’s affirmation is a gift He readily provides to all of us if we put ourselves in a place to hear His voice.

I ask that we pray for each other to more regularly seek silence and be prepared to respond, like Samuel, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

Please contact me with any questions about boosting evangelization efforts at your parish at [email protected] or by visiting https://www.rcda.
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