In contemplating stability and the Eucharist the last few days, I feel led to next uncover a bit about the importance of silence in cultivating a life of simplicity. The Eucharist, simplicity and silence seem to go together in a powerful way.
First, let's recall our definition of simplicity to bring it back to the front of our minds as we double down on our efforts to make these last 9 days of Lent fruitful.
Simplicity is a spiritual discipline that trains the soul
to fulfill its God-given mission.
Hopefully, over these weeks of Lent, you have learned a bit about what it takes to truly live simplicity and the virtues needed to grow in it, as well as some good knowledge about yourself through your temperament. Let's take all you have learned and place it at the foot of the cross to contemplate more deeply and fully your God-given gifts and the mission He has placed before you. The best way to do this is in SILENCE...
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There is nothing littler, meeker, or more silent than Christ present in the Host.
The little piece of bread embodies the humility and perfect silence of God, his tenderness and his love for us.
~Cardinal Robert Sarah
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Silence reveals so many truths about yourself and provides the means to deepen your relationship with God. Christ Himself drew away from the crowds many times to enter into silence and solitude, to be alone with His Father, to pray, and to gather strength for His God-given mission. You will be greatly edified if you follow His lead.
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In the midst of the noise and distractions of daily life, it can be difficult to hear the still, small voice of God speaking to you. Silence creates space for you to listen to God's voice and detach from the world, whether through prayer, meditation, or simply being present in the moment while going about your daily tasks. By cultivating a practice of silence, you can develop a deeper awareness of God's presence in your life and discern more clearly what He is calling you to do.
Our world no longer hears God because it is constantly speaking at a devastating speed and volume, in order to say nothing. Modern civilization does not know how to be quiet. It holds forth in an unending monologue.
~Cardinal Robert Sarah
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I decided to do some quick research and found many studies citing the positive effects (on your mental health and brain capacity) of even just a few minutes of intentional, prayerful silence each day...
Stimulates brain cells.
Relieves stress.
Promotes mindfulness.
Promotes self-awareness and clarity.
Boosts creativity.
Improves concentration, focus and decision making.
Improves sleep and heart health.
Improves memory.
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Do you make an effort to integrate silence into your day?
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Bookending your day in prayer sets the tone for your day and helps keep your heart on Christ throughout the day, no matter how the wind blows. Keep this time precious and incorporate silence if you have not already.
Prayer for Silence
Lord, you come to me in the silence.
The silence of the early morning, the late night,
and the ordinary still moments in the day.
Teach me the secret of silence and drawing close to you
so that you can make your mark on my soul, transforming my life.
Let these words in this prayer move me to stillness
and a falling quietly into your loving gaze.
AMEN
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Patience, prayer, and silence-these are what give strength to the soul.
~St. Faustina
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In a world that constantly bombards you with information and noise, silence provides a respite from all of it and helps you to focus on what is truly important. By creating intentional spaces of silence in your life, you can learn to let go of the distractions that pull you away from God and the things that matter most. This naturally leads to deeper connections with your family and friends. When you learn to be comfortable with silence, you create space for others to be themselves and share what is on their hearts.
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 In an effort to become comfortable with silence, set your alarm for 15 minutes earlier than normal. Be heroic and actually get up, using the extra time for silence, solitude and prayer.
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On Saturday, I shared this video with Fr. Mike Schmitz:
He talks about determining what each room in your house is used for and either adding or removing things to bring it to its purpose. So, today I am sharing my "Room Analysis" with you so you can print it out and use it to help you simplify and curate comfortable, meaningful spaces in your home. As you go about analyzing the rooms in your home, it is important to share your vision with your family and discuss the importance of giving everything a place to be "put away". (This is part of my "Integrated Rule of Life" course which consists primarily in the examination of your vocation, the duties it entails, and the development of a schedule/rule for fulfilling these responsibilities in a consistent and orderly way.)
today's recipe
Cod with Pistachio Cilantro Pesto
We abstain from meat every Wednesday and Friday, so I love trying different vegetarian and seafood recipes. This one packs a lot of flavor and comes together in less than 30 minutes!
Serves 6
INGREDIENTS
6 cod fillets
salt
pepper
good quality olive oil
30 grape tomatoes, sliced in half
For the Pesto:
2 cups cilantro, packed
1/2 cup salted, shelled pistachios
2 cloves garlic
1 large lemon, juiced
1/2 cup grated parmesan
2/3 cup (+or-) good quality olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Pat the fish fillets dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes.
While the cod is baking, prepare the pesto. Place the cilantro, pistachios and garlic in a food processor and pulse about 20 times. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
After 20 minutes, check the cod for doneness. It should flake easily with a fork. Remove from the oven and arrange on a serving plate. Top each fillet with the pesto and sprinkle the sliced tomatoes over all. Finish with freshly ground black pepper and more parmesan if you like. This is delicious as is, but if you like a base for your fish, try serving over a bed of spinach, rice or quinoa.
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