The moment we desire anything too much, we lose God's gift of peace. The proud and the covetous are never at peace. The poor in spirit, the humble person, enjoys a heavenly peace of soul. To set our life in perfection, we must begin from within. True perfection is based on God's word and His grace. With God help, we can gain a self-control far beyond anything dreamed by worldly peoples. It is necessary even in things which are good and holy in themselves.

Therefore, we must look first to our duties and obligations. Any holiness which makes us neglect these, is not from God. Over eagerness brings anxiety, fear and nervousness. It makes us less able to do our duties. It diminishes our recollection and interior peace, and makes us more subject to impatience, anger, and rash judgment. Uncontrolled desires and intentions can makes us fall into sin.

Besides, everybody likes to follow his/her own way of thinking, and prefers to associate with those who always agree with his/her ideas. Yet, it is foolish for us to think highly of our own opinion only. Nobody knows all the answers. The person who is always talking does not advance much in knowledge. A good listener will always learn more than the one who talks too much. In another word, it is not always necessary to point out the mistakes of others. Even when we know better, we need not always express our opinion. The key word to practice is self-effacing, think highly of others too. In fact, many discussions are unnecessary and unimportant. So often, too, opinions depends on people's likes or dislikes.

To those who know how to control their tongues for God sake, God's grant the grace of interior peace. It is better not to love our own opinions too much. Be humble enough to seek proper advice when we need it. Do not try to be independent of all other opinions. Different opinions may bring us a broader understanding of ourselves as well as of others. At times we must hold our tongue for the sake of love, peace, because it is always our pride that makes us want to correct people at the slightest opportunity.

Of course, corrections are necessary in many things, but we should not place too much confidence in our own sentiments and opinions. By keeping silent and listening to opinions which do not agree with us in petty matters bring us no harm. It takes a deep humility and a delicate charity to act in this way. Thus, think before we speak, and we were never regret our words because spoken words cannot be recalled. It is not always possible to undo the harm caused by thoughtless talk.

Many saints have avoided the company of people whenever possible in order to enjoy a closer union with God. One of them once remarked: 'As often as I have gone among peoples, I returned less a man.' Isn't this true of us when we talk too long and did not think before we speak? It is easier to keep silence altogether than to stop talking when we should. In silence God shall speak to us with less distractions and interruptions. God's words will come in the form of ideas, desires, intentions, and resolutions within our soul. Love silence and learn to use it well. Then will we draw closer to God, as He is close to us.

Silence is truly a virtue and in developing a love for silence, we experiences a deeper wisdom, a broader outlook on everyday life, and a brighter vision of God's nearness and love. During human conversations, we were learn more and make fewer mistakes. People will respect our judgments more because we think first before speaking. Each time we open our mouth, we should do so for a definite purpose, a good purpose. God's wisdom will take the place of our human folly, and our words will help those who hear us.

Dear Holy Spirit, our God, Lord Jesus Christ, teach us to talk well and wisely. Let us avoid useless conversations. Help us to speak often for You. Grant that our words may never hurt people of goodwill. May our words always bring consolation to those in sorrow, guidance to those who are confused, light to the ignorant, hope to those who despair, comfort to those who are troubled, and good advice to those in need. Take our lips and make them Yours. Take possession of our mind and make it an instrument of Your goodness and a channel of Your truth. We hope to become, that is, one who prefers the kingdom of God. In our human conversations, may we always bring You closer to them and them closer to You. Amen.

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Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -