In this episode of the Catholic Link podcast, Fr. Rob and Fr. George Elliot discuss how silence is an essential aspect of the spiritual life whereby one comes to a deeper knowledge of the truth of the present moment and increasingly aware of God's presence in their life. In today's digital world, it is important to set aside time to be silent and develop an interior silence. Interior silence is a step further into silence where one calms the mind and silently contemplates God's presence and is in a posture of reception.

Listen to the previous episode where Fr. Rob and Fr. George Elliot discussed how the season of Advent is a preparation to celebrate the birth of Christ. One means of preparation for the Solemnity could be to practice fasting. Fr. Rob makes the distinction between the East's and West's view of fasting. St. Basil gave advice for those who are fasting and someone prepares a meal for them. He advises that the person should eat what is in from of them, but not eat to their fill.

In the western churches, fasting is viewed as a penance for our sins or a kind of sorrow to make up for what faults we've done. In the East, the emphasis is more so on that fasting is a preparation to partake in the Heavenly mysteries. Fasting should also be accompanied with prayer and almsgiving. What small thing can we add to our spiritual daily routine to help our relationship with Christ during Advent to help us prepare for his birth?

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