As we enter the first weekend of Advent, the Church invites us into a season of patient waiting for the Lord's coming. This isn't the restless fidgeting we experience whilst queuing at the supermarket, the frustrated sighs when our bus runs late, or that immediate urge to pull out our phones and scroll social media. Advent patience feels different: quieter, more expectant. It's the kind Mary must have known, saying "yes" without seeing the full picture, or the watchfulness of shepherds under starlit skies, alert but peaceful. A friend mentioned recently that they're attending a silent retreat this weekend, and I'll admit my first thought was rather puzzling. Doesn't Scripture call us to "proclaim from the rooftops" and "let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story"? Silent retreats have always seemed a bit counter-intuitive to me. Surely God wants us talking, sharing, spreading the Good News? How does keeping quiet fit with our ca...