Robert Cardinal Sarah wrote a wonderful book, The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise, in which he reminds us that we need to escape from the tyranny of endless distractions produced by constant sound. We must learn how to place ourselves silently before God if we are to hear Him speaking to us in our hearts. Noise overwhelms the contemplative spirit; silence frees us to seek God in attentive prayer.

Cardinal Sarah’s insight came to mind earlier this summer when I went to a New York Yankee’s game with some parishioners. Ballparks were always noisy, as the roar of the crowd waxed and waned depending on how the home team was doing. Yet even amidst all this you could find moments to talk with the person sitting next to you or simply look out with wonder at the beautiful field and the players getting ready for the next pitch. The background noise of a large crowd talking and cheering during a game was a natural part of the experience of coming together to enjoy something special.

I was soon to discover, to my chagrin, the noisy “new normal” of Major League baseball stadiums. Boy, have things changed—for the worse. Now, music is constantly blasted through highly efficient loudspeakers, even during the 25 seconds between each pitch. The entertainment provided by the game itself is apparently no longer enough to satisfy the expectations of fans who have grown up with smart phones, earbuds, and Spotify subscriptions.

I was disappointed when the Yankees lost the game but ever so glad to escape the relentless assault of noise, noise, and more noise. Not being able to enjoy some relatively quiet moments and conversation had worn me out. Shouting at the guy next to me was exhausting.

The lesson I re-learned at the stadium is that silence is our friend. We need quiet time each day when we avoid the distractions around us and place ourselves before God, listening with our minds and hearts to the inspirations He sends us.

Silence can be daunting. But just as it is necessary for getting a good night’s sleep, silence is also necessary for maintaining our spiritual equilibrium. Silence is an opportunity to let the invisible and silent world of Heaven exercise its influence upon us.

Summer is a good time to start taking daily pauses for silence. Quiet prayer refreshes the soul and allows the mind to focus on God and His holy will. Try to find time to be silent with God. As Mother Teresa said, “Give God permission” by letting Him influence us during times of silent contemplation. Inspiration and consolation are given to those who turn quietly to God.