“We live in a society in which it seems that every space, every moment must be ‘filled’ with initiatives, activity, sound; often there is not even time to listen and dialogue. Dear brothers and sisters! Let us not be afraid to be silent outside and inside ourselves, so that we are able not only to perceive God’s voice, but also the voice of the person next to us, the voices of others.” (Pope Benedict XVI, July 4, 2010)
A few days ago, I was having conversation with two couples about the need for an atmosphere of external silence when having meaningful conversations with your spouse. My mom and dad used to go to our back porch every evening after dinner in the Spring and Summer to converse for about an hour. There were no televisions, no cell phones, no kids (we knew to respect their quality time), no cars driving by…just a few birds around the feeder (gold finches, cardinals, and orioles) but this actually added to the peaceful atmosphere. My mom’s life of piety, part of which my dad shared, (daily Mass, daily rosary, regular Confession), greatly enhanced this intimate dialogue because of their own internal silence and peace. I believe this “quiet” conversation time was one of the key reasons behind their 45 years of marital fidelity.
