Restoring Our Voice

A ‘Faith Daily’ reflection for the Birth of John the Baptist, Luke 1: 57-66, 80

Today I’m flying low and I’m
not saying a word.
I’m letting all the voodoos of ambition sleep.
The world goes on as it must,
the bees in the garden rumbling a little,
the fish leaping, the gnats getting eaten.
And so forth.
But I’m taking the day off.
Quiet as a feather.
I hardly move though really I’m traveling
a terrific distance.
Stillness. One of the doors
into the temple.

— Mary Oliver, A Thousand Mornings

In many religions, retreat is an important practice in which we have the opportunity to tend to what has been weighing on us or rest from daily demands that we might realign with our vows and values. We withdraw not to disappear, but to re-encounter what is sacred and trustworthy.

I like to think of Zechariah’s period of silence as a much-needed time of retreat. After discounting the angel’s promise, he falls silent. For months, he cannot debate or speculate on Elizabeth’s pregnancy. His silence requires him to attend to the new life growing before him and when his voice finally returns, it is in alignment with that new life. The child is named John — God is gracious — and Zechariah’s restored voice is ready to bless the new chapter they will enter as a renewed family.

There have been times when I have been silenced by shame, or have muted myself in hurt or disappointment. I have withdrawn my voice when I felt unappreciated and I have hidden from difficult conversations when I was unsure how to speak faithfully.

Yet increasingly, I recognise these silent moments are also opportunities to revisit the enduring things - the dark starry skies that enchant me, the stories and music and people that inspire me, and the love at the centre of every life-giving relationship… that humbles me completely.

I find that my voice is fullest, and perhaps most beautiful, not when I am certain, but when I have returned to awe: to the life growing and blooming around me, and to the grace that keeps calling me back into blessing.

God of silence and speech,
who calls us to trust in the unfolding path:
align my heart with your life-giving grace and give awe to my voice,
that I bless the wonder revealed to me;
through Jesus the Christ.
Amen.