The Power of Silence

Finding peace in a noisy world

I feel very blessed that there is a public library within walking distance of where I live in London. The library is quite large and has a small selection of philosophy and theology books. It is a delight to be able to borrow and read books from this collection for free.

I have borrowed a few books from the library recently, but two have really stood out as being enriching and nourishing reads. The first is Timothy Keller’s book Making Sense of God, and the second is The Power of Silence by Robert Cardinal Sarah, which is the subject of today’s reflection.

Sarah’s book is a distinctly Catholic work. The author writes about the inspirational lives of Carthusian monks and how silence is a central part of the way they live their lives. The cardinal voices his frustration that in Catholic church services these days the importance of silence has been rather diminished. In an age of noise created by an over-saturation of media and technology, the author feels that we have lost our appreciation of the kind of silence that draws us closer to God.

The Power of Silence is infused with quotations from Scripture and from figures who have played an important role in the life of the Catholic Church, such as Saint Augustine and Mother Teresa. There are many quotations from theologians and the tone of the discussion is very respectful towards the figures whose work is cited.

I find it quite amazing that Sarah has been able to compose what is quite a large book around such a simple subject. The author does an excellent job of engaging with the thoughts of Catholic thinkers, and explaining what their words can teach us about the power of silence.

The book is written in the form of a question and answer discussion between Nicolas Diat, who poses questions related to silence, and cardinal Sarah, who writes detailed answers. The book also contains an afterword written by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

As I was reading this book, I felt peaceful. I think that when we read a book we engage with the author and are able to sense a great deal about them from the way in which they write. It seems to me that the cardinal is a very well read writer whose life has been devoted to serving the Catholic Church, and he has seemingly grown a great deal through his spiritual journey, which is why the book evokes feelings of peace and stillness.

Living in a busy city, I personally feel a deep yearning for silence, and really enjoy those precious moments of walking into a near empty church and kneeling down to pray. There is something beautiful about a large silent sanctuary, and I have felt especially close to God when I have been blessed with the opportunity to pray in an empty church in silence.

I was so enthralled by this book that I bought a copy for my father after asking the Lord who in my circle of contacts would benefit from reading it. I hope that my father is able to take the same kind of inspiration from the book that I did, and perhaps I have whetted your appetite and you will consider purchasing a copy of this book to enrich your own spiritual journey.