Fr. Basil Nortz – Holy Silence, Part 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor
Fr. Basil Nortz and Kris McGregor continue their discussion the book Holy Silence: A Practical Guide to Recollection in God. It explains the significance of silence in deepening one’s spiritual life, particularly through the concept of liturgical memory, where the events of Christ’s passion and the Eucharist become present realities. He also highlights the necessity of interior silence, noting how distractions, internal conversations, and self-directed thoughts can hinder true prayer. Fr. Nortz stresses that silence enables a deeper union with God and facilitates a more attentive and recollected state in daily life.
The book covers various types of silence, such as the silence of judgment, self-love, emotions, and the will. Fr. Nortz discusses the importance of surrendering to God’s providence, embracing purification, and practicing humility, especially in an era of constant opinions and digital noise. He also addresses the role of sacraments, particularly confession and the Eucharist, in attaining inner peace. The ultimate goal of these practices is to cultivate a profound silence of union, where one experiences God’s presence beyond external circumstances.
To listen to part 1 of our conversation visit here: Fr. Basil North – Holy Silence, Part 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

* How does the concept of liturgical memory deepen your understanding of the Eucharist and its presence in your daily life?
* What distractions commonly disrupt your interior silence, and how can you cultivate a more recollected heart in prayer?
* How does practicing the silence of judgment help you grow in humility and foster a more charitable outlook toward others?
* In what ways can self-love be properly ordered toward God, and how can you guard against its distortions rooted in worldly desires?
* How can you cultivate greater openness to God’s providence and allow His will to shape your spiritual journey?
* How does embracing silence, particularly in times of suffering, draw you closer to Christ and His example in the Garden of Gethsemane?
* How can frequent reception of the Eucharist and Reconciliation help you maintain spiritual vigilance and interior peace?
* How does recognizing the presence of your guardian angel and the communion of saints impact your sense of companionship in the spiritual life?
* How can you create boundaries with media consumption to foster a more contemplative and recollected spirit?
* How does pursuing different forms of silence lead to a deeper experience of God’s love and presence in your daily life?



You can find the book here.
From the book description:
“Fr. Basil 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 heartBack to Episodes