WHEN GOD IS SILENT

by Luis M. Martínez

These pages show you how to trust God even when He seems unresponsive and remote even when, as in the famous incident in the Gospels, He seems to sleep while you are buffeted by the storms of life.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Christian

140 pages, Paperback

First published August 18, 2014

About the author

Luis María Martínez y Rodríguez was the Catholic archbishop of Mexico and a member of the Academia Mexicana de la Lengua ("Mexican Language Academy").

He was born in Molinos de Caballeros, Epitacio Huerta, Michoacán. A philosopher of the scholastic tradition, his focus on the ultimate nature of things led him to theology. He was also a writer of spiritual poetry.

While his traditional values provoked his criticisms of some aspects of Mexico's modernization, he always retained a special relationship with the people. He presided over the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the coronation of Our Lady of Guadalupe, declaring, "I am Zumárraga" in order to draw Mexicans who has "wandered" back to the church. He joined the Academy in 1953, and many of his sermons were translated into French, Italian, and German.

He died on February 9, 1956 in Mexico City.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book a 5 star because it kept my attention and because of the wisdom it contains not only for the contemplative, but for each soul created to become united with our Beloved.

There are a couple of terms and concepts that need defining to the uninitiated, such as despising ourselves. I would prefer “detaching ourselves from all within us which has cause and desire apart from His” Although I was not there, and have never been a mystic, I would describe the “silence” Jesus experienced for the first 30 years of His life as much more of meditation and contemplation and silent prayer. I probably wouldn’t refer to Peter in a way that designates him as a coward, as he had not yet received the Gift of the Holy Spirit. These are only some examples of different wording which may keep our minds on what Jesus taught and did, and in showing how He taught the very human Apostles.

Now that I’ve read this short book once, I will go back and list some of the words, phrases, sentences, and partial paragraphs which need to stay with me all of my life. This is a worthy book.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this way too quickly, but it was just so wonderful! It is a short book, 126 small pages.
It is truly the most comforting book that I ever read. It really speaks to your heart.
I think it is just amazing how someone can find words to describe the intimate things in our relationship with God.

[Fr. Nicholas Blackwell, O. Carm. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book!!! I’ll be returning to it regularly. His words on hope and silence are simple yet profound. Well worth a purchase and read!

[Celina Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book while on a silent retreat and it helped bring a sense of serenity to my life amidst a considerably stressful time. What really shocked me though was the exquisite imagery the author uses to humanize Christ and make Him more approachable so that it is easier to have a relationship with Him and put your faith in God's plan.

[John Prietto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book for our times

Literally this little book some how condenses and make perfectly clear how god works for our good in the mist of happiness but more specifically suffering , for no human passes through life and to heaven or hell without suffering, but all is for our good and we have nothing to fear but all to hope for

[Claire Hardwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

This is a book I know I’ll return to again and again. It’s brief book , only 126 pages, but Luis M. Martinez’s reflections on hope and perseverance during difficult moments in life were deeply profound. One of the best contemplative treatises on the intimacy need to connect with God have read so far.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

I struggled in the first part but once I got a grasp I hit a good stride. The book is not at all what I originally thought when I saw the title, but I’m not mad as the book contains incredibly profound insights and more ways to consider everyday things. A must read in Catholic Spirituality.

[Pat aka Tygyr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archbishop of Mexico City (1881-1956) wrote this gem of a book. I love his writing style and he really made me think about what he wrote about.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful writing by a Catholic mystic to draw me into the love and omnipotence of my God. Short and simple, but so profound.

[Victor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not simply about why God does not always seem to answer our prayers. It also discusses the importance of meditating on our faith during dark times of our life. Controlling one’s anxiety is important, such as not worrying about tomorrow because Jesus always loves us now. Also, avoid preplanning your day too much because Christ already knows what we need for the day and will sanctify us during it. This is a very good book for anyone at anytime, especially since the author was the bishop of Mexico City during the Catholic persecutions in Mexico in the previous century. Luis Martinez is writing from personal experience.