Why We Do What We Do: Silence
Most people connect the Eucharist to words and music, but silence also plays an important part in our prayer. Silence allows us to calm down and listen to God and to sit in God’s presence and rest. While connecting with one another on Sunday is such an important part of church life, we also need to realize the importance of being in silence in community. Before the Eucharist starts on Sundays, allow this gathering time to be a time of silence. A time to be with God and open our hearts to prepare for the Liturgy.
Throughout the Eucharist there are times which we are invited to be silent. For example, immediately after the sermon as well as receiving the Eucharist we are invited to be in silence. This is a time to digest the Word heard and the Eucharist received. There is also silence before we begin the confession, after the readings, during the Prayers of the People, and during the breaking of the bread. Sometimes silence can feel awkward or as though the priest has lost their place, but this awkwardness allows us to go deeper in prayer. Fr. Michael hopes that greater silence will allow us greater times to pray deeper