DEEPER THAN COMMUNICATION

Nearly every great experience I have had with the Lord has been in silence. Much of what I have heard and read from others verify the same. It may be described various ways, but silence is beyond words and language.

Stephen Freeman, Orthodox priest, wrote: “If we don’t know it, there’s no need to say it. Silence is sufficient. Silence should never imply that what is not spoken is unimportant. Indeed, it is so important that saying it incorrectly matters, hence the silence.”

This also reminded me of the quote I read years ago by Thomas Merton (1915-1968), Trappist monk and author wrote: “The deepest level of communication is not communication but communion.” He wrote that communion is a wordless, deeper connection that goes beyond mere words, speech, or concepts. 

Silence is the light that shines when the self no longer obstructs its passage. Rumi (1207-1273) poet and scholar wrote: “Silence is the language of God; all else is poor translation.”

I suppose my experience also includes learning that silence makes me sense weakness and need, whereas words often give some hazy idea of strength. Because talking is a defense and protection from silence and listening. Silence is a vulnerable place.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus