Lesson of the Week: The Power of Silence for Repentance

Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm

In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, silence is often undervalued. Many people are constantly connected to their devices, social media, and the internet, leaving little room for quiet contemplation. However, research suggests that silence has numerous benefits for our mental and physical well-being, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved focus and concentration, enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills, better sleep quality, and introspection.

Silence has long been recognized as a powerful tool for personal growth, self-awareness, and self-correction. From a psychological perspective, silence can play a crucial role in fostering self-consciousness, enabling individuals to confront their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and make positive changes.

We read a very thought-provoking passage on the Fifth Sunday of Lent that reminds us of silence and repentance (John 8:1-11). The evangelist narrates a story about a woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees and the scribes brought her to Jesus, who at dawn sat down and taught people in the temple area (John 8:2). They said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So, what do you say?" (John 8:4-5). However, they asked with dishonesty. "They said this to test him so that they could have some charge to bring against him" (John 8:6).

As usual, Jesus did not directly respond to the question. He bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger (John 8:6). Silence and tension emerged. They lost patience and urged Jesus to give them answers. Again, Jesus did not respond to their request; rather, he said, "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her" (John 8:7). "Again, he bent down and wrote on the ground" (John 8:8).

Then, silence and tension appeared again, bringing a different ambiance. The crowds, especially the Pharisees and the Scribes, shut their mouths; their minds were filled with perplexity and strange self-examinations. At the beginning of the conversation, they tried to trap Jesus. They were speechless and trapped in their minds. Self-awareness and introspection led them to their shame, and they departed one by one, beginning with the oldest one. Jesus remained with the woman.

Jesus knows the power of silence and how to use it. He proves that silence is a powerful tool for fostering self-consciousness and self-correction. Silence can facilitate positive change and personal growth by providing an opportunity for introspection, reducing impulsivity, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing problem-solving. This is precisely what happened to the Pharisees and the Scribes.

What can we reflect on and learn from today's gospel? As we navigate the complexities of modern life, embracing silence can be a valuable strategy for cultivating greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and improvement.

The Lenten Season is an opportune time to enter silence, reflecting on our inner and spiritual life about our sins. Silence will help us to see ourselves rather than focus on others' mistakes and sins. It encourages us to repent.   Silence, indeed, has the power to motivate us to repent. (*)