Stillness

The last few days have been rich... so rich. Full of Advent grace. A seminarian and friend of ours has been visiting our family, and we've enjoyed some great fellowship, powerful prayer times, and I have particularly found deep peace in the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) that we have joined him in praying. Although I have experienced this universal prayer of the Church at times before, never before has the richness and beauty of it struck me so deeply.

There is a silence in my soul at the moment, and it is only enhanced by the pristine stillness of the winter wonderland outside. Snow has been gently falling for some time, and a glance out the window reveals a scene not unlike the tranquility hovering over me by grace just now. The world is hushed, and serene, and still. Emitting a certain glow. And yet, waiting. Waiting in silence.

"Rejoice, Jerusalem, let your joy overflow;

your Savior will come to you, alleluia."

(from tonight's Evening Prayer of the Divine Office)