We are surrounded by noise.
Whether it is at home, in the car, at work, or at the gym, our lives can so easily become infused with the soundtrack of the world. It’s a constant buzz that fills our day; whenever we scroll through social media, listen to the radio, watch the news, overhear conversations, read our emails, and get trapped in the spiral of distractions that fills our mind.
In the Gospel today, we read about the rich man who is surrounded by every bodily comfort while on earth, and the poor man Lazarus who was left lying at his door.
I was struck by the silence of Lazarus.
The rich man’s life was consumed by the noise of the world, and we read that the people in his household would not listen to the words of Moses and the prophets.
On the contrary, Lazarus doesn’t say anything in this Gospel. We sense in him a peace that goes beyond his situation and allows him to trust in God’s plan for his life, regardless of the circumstances. It is in his silence that we recognize the words of Jeremiah, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord.” (Jer 17:7)
This Lent, let us choose to surround ourselves with more silence and intentionally cut away some of the noise that fills our day. Turning off our music, not scrolling through our newsfeed, not getting caught up in the drama at work… these are ways to cut the noise and create space to truly listen to the voice of the Lord. We do not want to have it said of us, “If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.” (Luke 16:31)
Jesus is calling us to eternal life with him. Let us not be afraid to meet him in the silence.
Reanne Powell is from Saskatchewan, Canada, and works as a Program Developer and Designer for Cat.Chat Productions. Cat.Chat helps make the Catholic faith come alive for kids through music, video, and Catholic VBS programs.
