VATICAN CITY — The absence of any words attributed to St. Joseph in the Gospels speaks volumes about the importance of silence, Pope Francis said.
St. Joseph’s silence was “not mutism,” but a quality that allowed him to listen to the word and will of the Holy Spirit, the pope said during his weekly general audience Dec. 15.
“This is why we must learn from Joseph to cultivate silence — that interior space in our days in which we give the Spirit the opportunity to regenerate us, to console us, to correct us.”
Pope Francis continued his series of talks on St. Joseph, reflecting on his silence which “is an important personal aspect” that even Christ incorporated in His own life and ministry.
“Jesus was raised in this ‘school,’ in the house of Nazareth, with the daily example of Mary and Joseph,” the pope explained. “And it is not surprising that He Himself sought spaces of silence in His days and invited His disciples to have such an experience.”
At the same time, the pope said that often “silence frightens us a little because it asks us to delve into ourselves and to confront the part of us that is true.”
“Many people are afraid of silence, they have to speak, and speak and speak, or listen to the radio or television,” the pope said.
Another challenge, he continued, is that while silence allows men and women to listen to the Holy Spirit, “it is not easy to recognize that voice, which is very often mixed up with the thousand voices of worries, temptations, desires and hopes that dwell within us.”
Furthermore, without the practice of silence, Christians can be tempted to use their words for “flattery, bragging, lies, backbiting and slander” rather than “making the truth shine.”
Calling on men and women to follow the example of St. Joseph, Pope Francis said the benefit of silence in one’s heart, will “heal our language, our words and above all our choices.”
Too often, he said, “we work on something and, when we finish, immediately we look for our telephone to make another call … Profoundness of the heart grows with silence … that leaves space for wisdom, reflection and the Holy Spirit. We are afraid of moments of silence. Let us not be afraid! It will do us good.”
