Memorial of St. Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest
The popular reading from Ecclesiastes where we find today’s first reading is rich with nuggets of practical wisdom. Notice the nugget: “There is a time to be silent, and a time to speak.” We all experience that rush to speak when our “brilliant” idea suddenly bubbles up! But is it a time to be silent or a time to speak? Sometimes we need to allow some space and time in silence for the “second thought!” Very often, the second thought comes from a deeper, more mature, more compassionate, more tested place in our thought process.
Our Gospel reading today points out the importance of providing silence for the “second thought.” St. Peter is a prime example of a good-hearted, but impulsive person who often spoke “off the top of his head.” Jesus asked the question of the apostles about who they thought He was. It was Peter who lost no time in responding with the right answer. But a deeper wiser silence might have suggested a second thought. Yes, Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah, but the title included excruciating suffering for Jesus and for those who followed him. Perhaps Jesus rebuked Peter and the others for excluding the second, more challenging, thought, reminding them that there is no crown without the cross.
Inviting and honoring the second thought is not to become a procrastinator. Rather, our answer, when enriched with silent prayer for wisdom, will be our best response at that particular time in our life.
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections