God has to work in the soul in secret and in darkness because if we fully knew what was happening, and what Mystery, transformation, God and Grace will eventually ask of us, we would either try to take charge or stop the whole process.
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
There is a very important distinction to be made between listening and hearing. Sometimes we listen to things, but we never hear them. True listening brings us in touch even with that which is unsaid and unsayable. Sometimes the most important thresholds of mystery are places of silence. To be genuinely spiritual is to have great respect for the possibilities and presence of silence. …When you listen with your soul, you come into rhythm and unity with the music of the universe.
–John O’Donohue (1956-2008)
When we receive the Eucharist, we are on the shore of the sea, taking just a few drops into our hand, and still the Infinite remains.
–Charles Journet (1891–1975)
The day of my death will be the most beautiful day of my life.
–Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925)
There is hardly ever a complete silence in our soul. God is whispering to us well-nigh incessantly. Whenever the sounds of the world die out of the soul, or sink low, Then we hear these whisperings of God.
–Frederick Faber (1814-1863)
Listening is being silent with another person in an active way. It is silently bearing with another person. Some people are silent, but they are not open and active. They are either asleep or dead within themselves. The true listener is one who is quiet and yet sensitive toward another person, open and active, receptive and alive. Listening is participating in another life in a most creative and powerful way. It is neither coercive nor pushy. Rather, it is bearing one another’s burdens.
–Morton Kelsey (1917-2001)
