Sermon On A Dawn Of Silence

Leonora Carrington, a female British-Mexican painter and novelist once remarked: "Dawn is the time when nothing breathes, the hour of silence. Everything is transfixed, only the light moves." Psalm 46:10 reminds us: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

In a metaphorical, but unwelcome sense, a "dawn of silence" is often viewed as the overture to a "winter of discontent." It is frequently described as the “lull before the storm.” It is the quiet, often unnerving, prelude to a period of intense activity or profound societal turmoil. Discontent is defined as dissatisfaction within one's circumstances, or a state of internal restlessness, irritation, or longing for something different than the present situation. A "winter of discontent" signifies a period of active, cold, and often bleak disruption. Its "dawn of silence" sometimes represents the moments of tense calm or uneasy stillness that precedes the chaos. On a converse note, it also appertains to the serene quietude just before sunrise. It marks a transitional, meditative, and tranquil new beginning to the day. It may represent a moment of deep reflection or a content start to life.

A quotidian life encompasses both dark and bright times. However, a "dawn of silence" bonds with God as a sacred space, a time of spiritual awakening, and a means of connection with Him. It symbolizes the quiet moment before understanding or the breaking of a new, transformative spiritual perspective. It represents a shift from worldly noise and disruption to inner stillness, allowing for a necessary communion with God, who is frequently described as the "friend of silence".

Silence creates its own doorway to a notable peace in the heart. Peace in the heart is a profound, internal state of calmness, happiness, and harmony that remains steady regardless of external circumstances or pressures. It represents a deep sense of emotional tranquility, often characterized by freedom from anxiety, chaos, and excessive desire. It is a spiritual and mental state rather than just an absence of conflict or activity. Silence acts as a profound opening to peace by providing a necessary sanctuary from the constant noise, digital distraction, and mental chatter of modern life. It functions not just as an absence of sound, but as an active, restorative condition that allows the nervous system to shift from a high-stress "fight-or-flight" mode to a calm "rest and digest" predicament.

In John 14:27, Jesus promises his disciples a deep, internal peace that differs from the world's version, urging them not to let their hearts be troubled or afraid despite upcoming trials. Peace in the heart is a profound form of internal peace, representing a focused, centered, and balanced state of being independent of external circumstances. It is often described as a stillness within, an emotional, spiritual, or mental freedom from conflict, which can be cultivated through mindfulness, meditation, and, self-compassion. This peace is rooted in trust, faith in God, and the assurance of His presence, overcoming external chaos. It reminds us: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

In the Bible, silence is portrayed as a powerful tool for divine connection, trust, and reflection, rather than just an absence of noise. Key instances include Elijah finding God in a "gentle whisper" rather than a storm. The prophet Elijah, exhausted and afraid, seeks God on Mount Horeb. God manifests not in a massive, rock-breaking wind, an earthquake, or a fire, but in a "low”, or "gentle whisper". This profound silence signifies that God often speaks to the heart quietly rather than through times of chaos. It reminds us: “And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.”

Silence can be equated to a "garden of life." This metaphor highlights that silence is not merely an absence of sound or an empty void, but rather a fertile, active, and nurturing space where growth, creativity, and inner life can flourish. Just as a garden requires quiet, uninterrupted time for seeds to germinate and roots to grow, silence is the necessary environment for personal growth, deep thought, and the maturation of ideas. The "silence" or solitude of the early morning garden serves as a form of meditation, offering mental rest, stress relief, and a way to reconnect with nature. It provides a peaceful, "mini-vacation" from the noises of daily life.