The Holy Silence: A Homily on the Practice of Presence
Steve Flowers is a dedicated chaplain and certified pastoral counselor currently providing holistic spiritual and emotional support at Pinnacle Living. Holding a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School, his diverse background includes impactful work as a pastor and an in-home therapist. His dual certifications through the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and the Association of Professional Chaplains underscore his profound, career-long commitment to guiding others through compassionate pastoral care.
In our fast-paced, often anxious world, our minds easily become fixated on past mistakes or paralyzed by what might go wrong in the future. We are rarely anchored in the here and now. In the following homily, Pastor Steve Flowers addresses this very human struggle through the comforting, familiar words of Jesus: "Do not let your hearts be troubled".
Drawing from twenty years of pastoral care, Steve observes firsthand the profound peace these words bring to those navigating grief, uncertainty, and transition. But this message is not just about finding comfort in difficult times; it is a powerful invitation into the practice of presence.
For those familiar with Jim Heaney’s Choosing Presence, the connections within this homily are deeply resonant. Steve beautifully illustrates how the invitation to "let not your hearts be troubled" is, at its core, a call to rest our anxious minds by dropping fully into the present moment. Just as the practice of presence emphasizes stillness as a pathway to connection, Steve describes a "holy silence" where our human struggles are met with God's overwhelming grace—a stillness so tangible it can be physically felt.
By anchoring his disciples in the present, Jesus wasn't just offering temporary relief; he was creating the sacred time and space necessary to prepare them for their own life of ministry.
As you read Steve's homily, allow his words to be your own invitation into stillness. It is a gentle, powerful reminder that it is only in the present moment that we can experience real peace, quiet our worried minds, and rest in God's loving care.
Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled: Finding Peace in the Present Moment
by Steve Flowers
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.”Jesus’ words spoken to his disciples speak to us today. In his farewell speech, Jesus knows that the disciples’ world is quickly changing. Judas has left to betray Jesus. Peter will soon deny knowing Jesus. And, finally, Jesus will die. Jesus understands their confusion and fear. So, he speaks directly to them with compassion and empathy.
It’s right after saying these words, that I notice a stillness, a holy silence where our grief is gently met with God’s overwhelming grace.
His words are familiar to anyone who has attended a funeral or memorial service. In my twenty years of being a pastor, I have used Jesus’ words in every service. Because I have specialized in pastoral care, I have done many such services. Consequently, I speak from a great deal of real-life experience. There’s a peace that comes from saying these words as well as hearing them. After sharing these words, I always see relief on the faces of family and friends of the deceased. Their pain is lessened by the beauty and grace found in these simple words. There’s a peace that surrounds us and lifts us up and gently guides us through the rest of the service.
It’s right after saying these words, that I notice a stillness, a holy silence where our grief is gently met with God’s overwhelming grace. There’re times that I can physically feel the stillness. It penetrates every fiber of my being. At once demanding my whole attention and at the same time opening my mind up to God’s loving care. I’m not alone in experiencing this. I know that each and everyone of you has experienced a similar response.
I noticed that Jesus’ words have a way of anchoring people in the present moment, the here and now. The disciples are invited to rest their anxious minds about what is to come by focusing on accepting the peace that Jesus extends to them. It holds true to us today who might be grieving a final goodbye to a loved one. Our emotional pain is also eased by the love that is found in Jesus’ words “do not let your hearts be troubled.”
I noticed that Jesus’ words have a way of anchoring people in the present moment, the here and now.
It’s here and now that we can experience real peace. Our minds are no longer fixated on past mistakes and grievances or what may go wrong in the future. They are resting in God’s presence. Jesus is guiding the disciples and us back to the present moment where we can find rest for our worried minds.
Having comforted his disciples, Jesus turns his attention to preparing them to continue his ministry. He boldly proclaims them ready to assume his work and even greater works. Jesus comments “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son, if in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.” Jesus wants his disciples to focus on the here and now, the present moment. Soon Jesus will be arrested, placed on trial, and crucified on a tree. Therefore, He wants to empower his disciples to continue his ministry in his physical absence.
I’m amazed by Jesus’ words because they’re so relational. He wants to be known by the disciples. Jesus isn’t distant or aloof or enigmatic. Jesus simply wants to be known and therefore invites the disciples to assume his role. He is at the same time vulnerable and strong. His words become the template from which the disciples will practice what they had observed. They will move from being students to being leaders. Jesus prepares them by showing trust and confidence in them.
Our minds are no longer fixated on past mistakes and grievances or what may go wrong in the future. They are resting in God’s presence.
As an example of how Jesus comforts and prepares his disciples, I would like to try something different. Something that you may not have done before in church which is to observe an intentional minute of silence. I will read again Jesus’ words to his disciples “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” As you sit there, I would like for you to silently repeat those words to yourself. When you’re distracted, come back to Jesus’ words. I will let you know when the time is up.
A minute passes.
You probably wondering why did this? I asked you to do practice this brief prayer so that you can experience the peace that Jesus extends to all of us. For a moment, the present moment, you probably felt different, perhaps relieved and refreshed, have a renewed sense of focus.
I also asked you to do this because I wanted to prepare you for what’s to come. Jesus created the time and space for his disciples to better hear and understand him. He shared big news that they would be taking on a more significant role. Likewise, I want you to know that you too are disciples of Jesus Christ and as such are called to a life of ministry. Your goal is to glorify God in what you say and do every day. It’s a challenging proposition but as Christians we’re called and equipped to the impossible.
My prayer for you on this day is that you’re filled with the Spirit of peace and empowered to do Jesus’ ministry by loving others as you love God. Go now and share that love. Amen.
