Conversation with God and with Men by Cardinal Antonio Bacci

 

Let us recall again the sentence in which The Imitation of Christ paraphrases an idea of Seneca (Ep. 7). "As often as I have been amongst men, I have returned less a man" (Book I, Chap. XX). The writer goes on to explain what he means by this. "It is easier to keep silence altogether than not to fall into excess in speaking . . . No man can safely speak but he who loves silence."

 

We have all experienced how true it is that when we are frequently in the company of others, we become easily absorbed in matters which are spiritually advantageous neither to ourselves nor to our neighbour. If the people with whom we associate were holy, this would not happen. It is always edifying to hold conversation with a Saint. After such a conversation we go away better Christians than we were beforehand. "Nobody", writes Tertullian, "is wiser, more faithful, and nobler than the Christian" (De Praes. Chap. 3). Unfortunately, Saints are rare, whereas evil men are common, and idle and foolish men more common still. "Walk with wise men and you will become wise, but the companion of fools will fare badly" (Prov. 13:20).

 

This does not mean that we should all become hermits, for that is a lofty vocation to which only a few are called. But it remains true that constant chatter with other men is both a waste of time and harmful. So-called society life is dissipating and disedifying. Converse with men when it is necessary, when it is useful, and when it is polite to do so. At such times let your speech be simple and good and your behaviour edifying.

 

Do not speak too often with men, but speak often with God. We should always be in communication with God, because to converse with God is to pray. Jesus has told us "that we ought always to pray" (Luke 18:1). We have a great need of intimacy with God, for if the life of grace does not flow within us we become like arid branches and fall prey to temptations and to tepidity. In order to remain close to God we must pray constantly. As St. Paul says, "whatever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Col. 3:17). This is what the Saints did. While their feet walked the Earth, their minds were in Heaven. We should imitate them by trying to cultivate the interior life which will keep us detached from the world and from sin, and always close to God.