The tongue is a small member, but it does big things. A religious who does not keep silence will never attain holiness; that is, she will never become a saint. Let her not delude herself - unless it is the Spirit of God who is speaking through her, for then she must not keep silent. But, in order to hear the voice of God, one has to have silence in one's soul and to keep silence; not a gloomy silence but an interior silence; that is to say, recollection in God.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the power of speech and the importance of silence for spiritual growth.
Mary Faustina Kowalska's quote reflects on the significance of the tongue in human communication while stressing the necessity of silence for spiritual clarity and connection with God. It suggests that to truly engage with the divine, one must cultivate an inner tranquility that allows for discernment of God's voice, contrasting the weight of words with the profound depth found in silence.
In practice
In a meditation group, this quote can be used to encourage participants to find inner silence.
Oh, how great is the goodness of God, greater than we can understand. There are moments and there are mysteries of the divine mercy over which the heavens are astounded. Let our judgment of souls cease, for God's mercy upon them is extraordinary.
Know that My Heart is mercy itself. From this sea of mercy graces flow out upon the world....I desire that your heart be an abiding place of My mercy. I desire that this mercy flow out upon the whole world through your heart.
This truth is a remedy against spiritual pride, namely, that none should account himself better before God than others, though perhaps adorned with greater gifts, and endowments.
Peace is a rare gift. Peace of mind, peaceful sleeps, and peaceful spirits are all luxuries that few rebels can ever afford.
The next time you feel unworthy, inadequate or inferior, remember that these experiences have nothing to do with humbleness, any more than lowering yourself to connect with another individual has to do with humbleness. There are no lower or higher individuals in the perception of a humble person. There are only souls. There is only love.
Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.
The disease that knowledge brings is arrogance, and the disease that worship brings is showing off
Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway.
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