Silence: Absence of Other Thoughts
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
In an earlier reflection, the Holy Spirit led me to the subjects of "Silence" and "Praying to and with Jesus." All of that is related. Saint Faustina Kowalska describes this relationship in her Diary, at paragraph #411 in a beautiful manner: "March 21, 1935. Often during Mass, I see the Lord in my soul; I feel His presence, which pervades my being. I sense His divine gaze; I have long talks with Him without saying a word; I know what His divine Heart desires, and I always do what will please Him the most."
To me, that reaffirms that the language of prayer with Jesus is silence. And silence is also the absence of other thoughts. If, during Mass, our thoughts are all over the place, thinking about relatives, friends, football, the Ladies Guild, or whatever, then we are not silent. But it is a different kind of silence, perhaps. How can we concentrate on Jesus, whether in the Blessed Sacrament during Holy Mass or in public adoration?
Or, as He usually is, contained in the Tabernacle? Go one step further... How can we concentrate on Jesus when He is with us in our hearts when one is distracted, with or without sound?
Most people struggle with complete silence, and even partial silence presents challenges. Observe what happens when the priest sits down after Holy Communion and just doesn't get up to continue Holy Mass in the same length of time he usually does. People get fidgety; they look at each other in disbelief and wonder what to do. People are terribly impatient. Why are we in such a rush!? Relax! I don't worry about the next minute or two, or even five minutes. So sit down with Jesus and quietly prepare to pray, taking time to just adore Him in the tabernacle.
What we have with God is a relationship: a relationship of love, of speaking (prayer) with/to God, and in that sense, relationships are very important. Such a relationship with God will one day save your soul - He promised us: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." Jn 3:16.
Work on your relationship with Jesus and with His mother, Mary, who is our mother as well. Start simply, and His grace will bring this relationship to a level that is far greater than we would ever think it could be. Make a habit of silent reflection; just sit and relax with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and He will help you along the way.
Peace and Good!
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
May 22, 2011, rev. 1/25/2026