On Love and Silence

When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.

—Mark 13:11

Abba Ammoun of Rhaithou asked Abba Sisoes, “When I read the Scriptures, my mind is wholly concentrated on the words so that I may have something to say if I am asked.” The old man said to him, “That is not necessary; it is better to enrich yourself through purity of spirit and to be without anxiety and then to speak.”

—Abba Sisoes: Sayings of the Desert Fathers

My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.  This, then, is how we will know that we belong to the Truth; this is how we will be confident in God’s presence.

—1 John 3:18-19

Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.

—St. Francis of Assisi

Acquire inner peace, and the thousands around you will be converted.

—St. Seraphim of Sarov