Fr. Ken McKenna, OSFS, my Novice Director, once told us that God’s first language is silence. This insight was puzzling to me since I had just memorized the Canticle of Zechariah and the Canticle of Mary from the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours). These long prayers contain a lot of words. What does Fr. Ken mean that God’s first language is silence?
Only years later, while administering the Anointing of the Sick. did I come to grasp his insight.
During the Anointing of the Sick, the ritual spells out the words and actions performed by the priest. During the Sacrament, the priest is instructed to lay his hands on the sick person. The directions are clear during this part; this action is to be performed in silence. Do not say a word! I’ve always found this moment to be powerful.
One of the first people I ever anointed was my Aunt Aimee. I remember coming to this moment of the Sacrament, taking a breath, and laying my hands on her head. It is an intimate gesture because you are so close to one another. The proximity, silence, and touch is powerful. No words are necessary.
God’s first language is silence because God is so close to us! God is closer than a yell. God is closer than a shout. God is even closer than a whisper. Words are used to cover a distance, but there is no distance. I reflect on God’s closeness, especially during the Christmas season. With the Incarnation, God is closer to us than we are to ourselves.
Since God’s first language is silence, I guess I should stop writing.
May God be Praised.
Fr. Joe Newman, OSFS
Provincial
Toledo-Detroit Province
