Quiet Times

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Monks should always be given to silence, especially, however, during the hours of the night.   [St. Benedict (2011-04-30). The Rule of St. Benedict (Kindle Locations 741-742).  PlanetMonk Books. Kindle Edition.]

We’ve been reading over the last few days about the rhythms of the day and of the year.  The rhythm of the season and day dictate the rhythms of work and meals and sleep and prayer.  In today’s world, artificial lights and electricity create infinite day; no one is compelled to stop when night falls.  So this Rule of silence after Compline seems a stronger imperative than ever.

My husband, Craig, has been working extended hours over the last few weeks, and as the days have grown shorter, these days seem longer and his exhaustion at the end of the day seems greater.  Often at the end of his day we have only an hour of time to sit together, yet this hour of quietly sitting with one another feeds and strengthens me.  This hour makes the rest of the hours easier to bear. 

This is our silence after the compline.  And as we move from fall to winter and from ordinary time to Advent, and as the days shorten and darkness seems to overwhelm the light, we should embrace and cherish these moments of quiet.