J M J
Carmelite, Doctor of the Church Maxims and Counsels (copyright ICS pubs.)
The Father spoke one Word, which was his Son,
and this Word he always speaks in eternal silence,
and in silence must it be heard by the soul.
Speak little and do not meddle in matters about which you are not asked.
Do not complain about anyone, nor ask for anything;
and if it is necessary for you to ask, let it be with few words.
Do not contradict;
in no manner speak words that are not pure.
Let your speech be such that no one may be offended,
and let it concern things which would not cause you regret were all to know of them.
Keep spiritually tranquil in a loving attentiveness to God,
and when it is necessary to speak,
let it be with the same calm and peace.
Be silent concerning what God may have given you and
recall that saying of the bride:
«My secret for myself» (Is 24,16)...
To advance in virtue it is important that you be silent and act,
since by talking we become distracted whereas in keeping silence
and working we become recollected.
As soon as you have learnt from someone
what is necessary to advance spiritually,
you should not ask him to say anything further about it
nor continue talking but set yourself to work earnestly and in silence,
with zeal and humility, with charity and self-contempt.
Before anything else,
it is necessary and fitting to serve God in the silence of one's disordered habits,
as of the tongue,
so that nothing may be heard but words of love.
Saint John of the Cross