March 7, 2012. (Romereports.com) Thanks to the beautiful weather, for the first time this year, the Pope held Wednesday's general audience in St. Peter's Square, instead of the Vatican's Paul VI Hall.

With thousands of people gathered, the Pope talked about the power of silence. He said to truly hear the Word of God, one must be open to inner and outer silence.


Benedict XVI
“To hear God's word requires the cultivation of outward and inward silence, so that His voice can resound within our hearts and shape our lives.”

The Pope said that silence is not synonymous with abandonment nor does it equate to the absence of God. Rather, it's another way to welcome Him.

Benedict XVI
“But Jesus teaches us that God also speaks to us, especially at times of difficulty through His silence, which invites us to deeper faith and trust in His promises.”

As an example, Benedict XVI talked about how Christ prayed, adding that it's also a way to understand our life's mission.

Benedict XVI
“Jesus is our great teacher of prayer; from His prayer we learn to speak with confidence to our heavenly Father as his beloved sons and daughters. In this filial dialogue we are also taught to recognize God's many gifts and to obey his will, which gives meaning and direction to our lives.”

Roughly 10,000 people from all over the world attended Wednesdays' general audience, the first audience of the year, held in St. Peter's Square.


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