It started noisily, with a BANG. Or if a more intimate metaphor suits you, it began with a holy word from a timeless Lord of hosts, then returned to quiet.

The infection simmered in silence, unnoticed at first, and still to this day, prolific as it is, it goes unnoticed by most: the infection of noise. You could describe its spread as gradual, but there is no such thing, not if you put it in perspective. The infection is now, has always been now, will always be now. Is there any refuge from the noise? Any hope?

It’s been said the way to salvation is narrow, and perhaps that’s true, but it is not complicated. Our salvation is not tedious. And for all the talk of skinny gates and paths, the reason for those symbols must be in contrast with their opposites. Salvation is spacious (He makes me lie down in green pastures), salvation is immediate (I stand at the door and knock), salvation is quiet (be still and know I am God.)

You may think times are bad, and it’s probably true. But times have always been bad. That’s what salvation is for.