Beginning on Holy Thursday through Holy Saturday the sisters are in retreat. We keep silence for those three days and only speak when necessary. So for those three days there is no talking but also no internet, social media, phone calls or computer games. I know that for some people it just seems impossible to disconnect from social media for three whole days. If you did not have the internet, texting, Twitter, Google, snapchat etc for three days, how would you spend your time? We spend the time praying and thinking about the great gift of our redemption. We spend extra time with Jesus and accompany Him in His suffering for us. We read, take walks outside and work on our hobbies - like knitting, quilting, crocheting. It is a relaxing time both spiritually and physically and all the sisters look forward to our quiet retreat time.
Our founder, Mother Ellen wrote. "A silent heart is able to listen to God." Our world today is filled with noise. We are so distracted by the noise around us that it is hard to turn it off to hear God. In the book of Kings, God tells the prophet Elijah to go up the mountain where He will reveal Himself to Elijah. 1 Kings 19:11 and following tell the story. There was a great wind, an earthquake and fire, but God was not in the wind, earthquake or fire. God revealed Himself to Elijah in the gentle whisper. So we must be quiet and let God talk to us. We must be still and listen for His gentle whisper. I hope that each of you have time during Holy Week to spend some quiet time with God. We will be praying for each of you.
