In order to abide in the truth a contemplative must KNOW Him. To live the Word of God in depth is her lifetime occupation. The light of knowing Christ can go on increasing until she reaches the Light that never sets … Her soul is a chasm which only God can fill. His filling it is total fulfillment.
The same gentle Voice heard by Elijah (I Kings 19:12) speaks to one aspiring to Carmel. This meeting with the Lord, however brief and imperceptible, increases her desire to come closer to Christ and to draw others to Him.
For those answering the Spirit’s call to deeper prayer, silence is a necessary friend, a helpful usher, bringing us to God. In silence we can be our deepest, most expansive selves. Our greatest joys and sorrows are too deep for words, but not for silence. Far from being inaction, silence leads us to a high form of activity: loving conversation with God, surrender of one’s attention and heart to Him. Just try it!
“Blessed are your eyes because they see and blessed are your ears because they hear.” (Mt. 13:16)-- receptivity, silence,
God’s silent ones allow Him:
To speak: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” (I Sam. 3:10)
To act: “It is the Lord that will do battle for you: your part is silence.” (Ex. 14:14)
To strengthen: “In silence and in hope shall your strength be.” (Is. 30:15)
God’s greatest works are accomplished in silence: the Incarnation was announced by word, but effected in silence.
When Jesus left us His peace, He left us His silence. It made Pilate wonder – a wondrous thing, silence, even in the life of Christ … continued in the Blessed Sacrament.