Men's Rosary

“If a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it, does it still make a noise?” I’ve always liked this question, and I saw something online regarding it.

Depends on what you mean by “a sound”. If that is a physical event, a wave that travels through the air, then yes. If you mean a mental event of hearing, do you mean that process of hearing which requires ears and a brain? Then: No. But if you mean simply a mental event like hearing a tree fall, which doesn’t obviously require a brain or ears (etc.), then it may be that God, or disembodied spirits hear the crash. So in this case: Maybe.

So, here is a twist on this question to ponder. If God is speaking and we are not there to listen, is He really speaking (making a noise)? I would lean toward the last assumption in this case but rather than call it a maybe it would be a resounding YES!

God is always speaking and is everywhere. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of the soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

We need to take a walk in the woods, or wilderness of faith to encounter the word of God. He does speak and it is usually in the silence. This walk can literally be in the woods or nature, but it is also found in sitting silently with God. This can be anywhere, but most profoundly found in Adoration. We are all called to a specific vocation. This is not just reserved for priests and religious. We must hear God in order to align our will with His.

“In the hidden recesses of the human heart, the grace of vocation takes the form of a dialogue. It is a dialogue between Christ and an individual, in which a personal invitation is given. Christ calls the person by name and says: “Come, follow me.” This call, this mysterious inner voice of Christ, is heard most clearly in silence and prayer. Its acceptance is an act of faith.” (St. Pope John Paul II)

Let us go to Christ in the Eucharist. Let us seek his voice and the personal call in the silence of Adoration.