“We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence… We need silence to be able to touch souls.”
- August 26, 1910 – September 5, 1997
- Albanian
- Catholic nun and saint
- Founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India, and won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in supporting the poor, sick, and orphans
table of contents
Quote
“We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence… We need silence to be able to touch souls.”
Explanation
Mother Teresa’s quote reflects the importance of silence in connecting with the divine and with others on a deeper level. She suggests that in the midst of our chaotic, fast-paced world, it is often in the quiet and stillness that we can truly encounter God and experience the inner peace necessary for meaningful relationships. Silence is not just the absence of sound, but a space for reflection, prayer, and a deeper sense of presence—a place where we can listen to the whispers of God and the needs of those around us.
In Mother Teresa’s life, silence was a critical element in her work. Despite her active service to the poor and sick, she often spoke of the need to retreat into silence in order to reconnect with her faith and draw strength. She believed that in stillness, both nature and human beings could find a space to grow, just as trees and flowers grow quietly in the soil, and celestial bodies move in their courses in silence. In her experience, it was through silence that one could truly touch souls—both their own and others.
In the modern world, this quote encourages us to embrace moments of stillness amid the noise of daily life. In a time when distractions are constant, we often lose touch with ourselves and with the deeper meanings of life. Taking time for silence—whether through meditation, prayer, or simply being present in nature—can help us reconnect with our spiritual selves and enhance our ability to empathize with others. For example, taking a walk in nature or setting aside time for quiet reflection can provide the space we need to listen deeply to both God and those we wish to serve, helping us touch souls with our words and actions.
