Lenten mute button

I use the mute button on the TV remote far more than any other.  I understand the economic necessity of businesses to advertise and networks to receive advertising revenue, but the constant insipid prattle blaring from commercials (all of which seemingly are recorded at a higher volume than the actual programming) drives me crazier all the time.  It makes me want to shut the blinds, light a candle, and put on Beethoven’s String Quartets, Op. 74-75.

There is such unrest in our lives in this era.  Street violence and environmental crises; wars and political polarization; over-scheduled kids and worn out parents.  Fewer and fewer people have the experience of iconic TV shows like Andy Griffith (who purposely minimized dialog) or the Waltons (with their family meals and wishing everyone good night), both shows with characters sitting in rocking chairs on the front porch having an actual conversation!
 
With Lent making an appearance this month, a couple of items from our tradition come to mind that might serve to remind us what “the observance of a holy Lent” means (BCP p. 265):
 
Psalm 131, v. 3: I still my soul and make it quiet, like a child upon its mother’s breast; my soul is quieted within me.
 
From the Prayer Book, p. 832, prayer 59: O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God. (based on Psalm 46:11)
 
This month, maybe it would be a good idea to use the “mute button” on life’s prattle and instead welcome the invitation to the observance of a holy Lent, quieting your soul within you, and in the stillness know God.
 
— Marc Vance, Associate Rector