The essence of silence is self-emptiness, docility, receptivity, detachment, desire, listening, communion. Every act of silence is a little Advent. A Luigi Giussaní sums it up, "Silence is not merely keeping quiet, but it is the attitude of one who lives standing before a 'You' who is presenting, entreating a 'you' who is present." Teresa of Avila refers to contemplative prayer as the "prayer of quiet." Such prayerful silence enhances our ability and eagerness to listen to our Beloved. In this silence, the one in love remains perfectly content just to behold the Beloved, gazing in a state of holy and tranquil abiding. Silence speaks to silence.
What to do with children? It came so naturally. I remembered Aunt Marion’s example. Give them a place to run — to breathe fresh air first — and lead them to a place to swim. Feed them fruit. Show them how it is peeled and sweetened. Love all children as if they were your own. Then, just before they go to sleep, Give them music by the silvery moon.
