"Let us follow the Prophet's counsel: I said, I have resolved to keep watch over my ways that I may never sin with my tongue. I have put a guard on my mouth. I was silent and was humbled, and I refrained even from good words (Ps 38[39]:2-3). Here the Prophet indicates that there are times when good words are to be left unsaid out of esteem for silence. For all the more reason, then, should evil speech be curbed so that punishment for sin may be avoided. Indeed, so important is silence that permission to speak should seldom be granted even to mature disciples, no matter how good or holy or constructive their talk, because it is written: In a flood of words you will not avoid sin (Prov 10:19) and elsewhere, The tongue holds the key to life and death (Prov 18:21). Speaking and teaching are the master's task;the disciple is to be silent and listen." Rule of St. Benedict 6.1-8
Anyone who knows me will be particularly tickled that I chose this quote this week. No one has ever accused me of being a man of few words, but I think that's what drew me to the Benedictines devotion to silence.
Here St. Benedict is taking the maxim of "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all" a step further. Sometimes, it is appropriate to leave the good unsaid, perhaps out of "esteem", perhaps to avoid an occasion of sin, perhaps out of a desire to "listen." It's advice not often taken today - certainly not by me.
I did, however, have the pleasure of spending a few Triduums as a guest in the Monastery for what has become a very popular retreat for male students and alumni. I remember wondering just what in the heck I was in for. Silence in the halls, silence on the way to prayer, silence during meals - I was worried it would be awkward and/or that I would disturb the tranquility of the monastery.
I found it remarkably refreshing.
I don't think my head has ever been so clear, my heart so calm, my mind so quiet as when I was in the monastery. Not only did I get immeasurable value out of reflecting in silence, listening to readings during meals in silence, eating in silence, and lying in silence, but I began to appreciate conversations that much more.
Something to think about - quietly - on this Friday morning.
~Matt St. John
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