Tuesday, March 21, 2023

The Last Day has Come

 St. John of the Cross

It was not from want of will that I have refrained from writing to you, for truly do I wish you all good; but because it seemed to me that enough has been said already to affect all that is needful, and that what is wanting (if indeed anything be wanting) is not writing or speaking -- whereof ordinarily there is more than enough -- but silence and work.

For whereas speaking distracts, silence and work collect the thoughts and strengthen the spirit. As soon, therefore, as a person understands what has been said to him for his good, there is no further need to hear or to discuss; but to set all in earnest to practice what he has learned with silence and attention, in humility, charity and surrender of self.

[Patricia: 

The time has come to discontinue posting to the Day Book. This quote will be my farewell message to you. Everything St. John says here, I, and perhaps you as well, already know to be true. Apparently, for me, it is time to deepen that work in silence. “As soon, therefore, as a person understands what has been said to him or her for their good, there is no further need to hear or to discuss; but to set all in earnest to practice what he has learned with silence and attention, in humility, charity and surrender of self.” ]