Fr. Nortz masterfully builds upon the classic reflections of Sr. Marie-Aimée de Jésus, a nineteenth-century spiritual mystic and Carmelite nun, on the twelve degrees of silence. By cultivating these types of silence, you will find out how you can -- even amid your busy days filled with chatter, commotion, and noise -- listen to the voice of God.
In these profound pages you will find ways to overcome your fear of silence and discover:
- Keys to obeying God's will
- Kinds of silence that are holy and kinds that are unholy
- Ten tips on what to do -- and what to avoid -- to bridle your senses
- Seven ways to guard your imagination and foster recollection
- How to direct your emotions with reason and foster silence of the heart
- Effective ways of responding to injustice
You will learn the one sinful attitude that cuts us off from the merciful forgiveness of God and will acquire ways to stop passing judgment against others. Additionally, you will learn the most important attitude that disposes us to God's plans and allows us to enter into His love and converse with Him affectionately throughout the day. Moreover, you will find practical techniques for overcoming distractions in prayer and advice from the saints on methods of meditation to develop silence of the spirit.
Above all, you will glean how to maintain peace of soul and live free from anxiety and despair, regardless of temptations or life's battles. By relying totally on God, you will fearlessly rise after falls and begin again. You will begin to see the loving hand of God in all things, contemplate the light of His presence, and "be still" in the silence of His love.
"Holy silence is what helps the soul acquire the strength necessary to bear the presence of the all-pure God, who is ipsum esse subsistens (subsistent being itself)," explains Fr. Nortz. "The intensity of that fullness, far from inspiring languid inaction, produces a vibrant joyfulness that St. John expresses in the book of Revelation in terms of the saints singing with full voice."
Nortz, Basil: - Eric Sammons is the author of seven books and the former Director of Evangelization for the Diocese of Venice in Florida. He has spoken to thousands of people on various Catholic topics; has conducted evangelization, Scripture, and apologetic workshops on the parish and diocesan levels; and has worked with many parishes to improve their evangelization efforts.His published books include Who is Jesus Christ? Unlocking the Mystery in the Gospel of Matthew (Our Sunday Visitor 2010), Holiness for Everyone: The Practical Spirituality of St. Josemaría Escrivá (Our Sunday Visitor 2012), and The Old Evangelization: How to Spread the Faith Like Jesus Did (Catholic Answers Press 2017). He also authored the high school textbook Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue (Midwest Theological Forum 2013). In addition he has published articles in Crisis Magazine, Catholic Answers, The Federalist, Our Sunday Visitor Newsweekly, Homiletic and Pastoral Review, OnePet
