Father Hathaway’s Column — March 9, 2025
ENTERING THE GREAT SILENCE OF LENT
Lent begins with an invitation — not just to fasting, prayer and almsgiving, but to something even deeper: silence. It is in silence that we come face to face with God and with ourselves. Yet, in a world dominated by noise, distraction and endless demands, silence can feel foreign, even unsettling. Robert Cardinal Sarah warns, “Sounds and emotions detach us from ourselves, whereas silence always forces man to reflect upon his own life.”
Why is this silence so necessary? Because in silence, we become aware. We see ourselves as we truly are — our strengths, our weaknesses, our wounds and our longings. It is here that we enco
unter God, not as an abstract idea, but as a living presence Who speaks to the depths of our hearts. Christ Himself modeled this for us. “Christ lived for 30 years in silence. Then, during His public life, He withdrew to the desert to listen to and speak with His Father. The world vitally needs those who go off into the desert. Because God speaks in silence.” (Cardinal Sarah)
Lent is our desert, our opportunity to step away from the relentless noise and distractions that fill our days. But how do we do this when life continues at its usual pace? For many, the idea of finding silence seems impossible amid work, family and responsibilities. Yet, even in the busiest lives, silence can be cultivated. Here are three simple ways to enter into the great silence of Lent:
- Start and End the Day in Silence – Before checking emails or scrolling through the news, spend five minutes in quiet prayer. Simply sit in God’s presence, offering Him your day. At night, do the same — turn off the screens, dim the lights and spend a few moments reflecting on where you encountered Him. These small bookends of silence create space for God’s voice.
- Commute in Silence – If you drive to work or run errands, consider turning off the radio or podcast for part of the trip. If you take public transportation, resist the urge to scroll through your phone. Instead, let silence accompany you, allowing your mind and heart to be still. These moments of quiet recollection throughout the day can have a profound impact.
- Fast from Unnecessary Noise – Lent is a season of fasting, and while we often think of giving up food, we can also fast from noise. This might mean setting limits on social media, taking a break from background music, or carving out quiet time at home. By reducing unnecessary distractions, we create an inner space where God’s voice can be heard more clearly.
Silence is not simply the absence of noise — it is the presence of God. The more we embrace it, the more we allow Him to work in our hearts. As we journey through this holy season, let us enter the great silence of Lent with courage, trusting that, in the quiet, we will encounter the One Who loves us beyond measure.