An invitation to silent time

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today mark the 2nd Sunday in Advent. The world around us asks the questions "Have you got your shopping done yet?" Have you had your Christmas party? ". The Prophet Isaiah invites the people of Israel, in exile in Babylon, to consider a change. The fear and isolation they have been experiencing is to be replaced with comforting action by God to shepherd them back to their home in Jerusalem. Friar Jude Winkler describes this as the motherly love of God.  This will require that they pause and consider their options. Isaiah proclaims the exile they have endured as a consequence of their sin of loosing intimate contact with God is to end. The home they left is gone. The Temple is in ruins and some have made a life in Babylon. The image of the shepherd who will feed and care for the lost sheep will need to be accepted. The decision may require stillness and calm as it is considered. The press reported this week that Pope Benedict XVI participated in a celebration of Advent traditions from his home in Barvaria. The "staade zeit" or quiet time is the traditional way of observing Advent in the Barvarian Alps. When we are faced with the great events in life, quiet time is so necessary for us to listen to the voice within which speaks in the resonance of our indwelling Spirit with the Spirit of God.  Fr Larry Gillick asks us to consider silently holding our breath as we are stilled by the contemplation of the Eternal entering time. The Gospel from Mark begins today with the proclamation of John the Baptist that the Messiah, from the ancient texts of Isaiah, Malachi and the Psalms is among the people. This revelation will call the people to change again. The "silent time" is a way to become open to listening through the noise and distractions of the season for that call to find comfort in the return to the intimate relationship with God which is the Divine desire for us.