If we truly desire to imitate Christ, we must, “Fly the tumult of men as much as thou canst; for treating of worldly affairs hinders very much…”
With Thomas à Kempis we could all repeat this same sentiment, “I wish I had oftener been silent and that I had not been in company.”
Human companionship is not to be faulted in and of itself (after all, God did make us to be social beings), but it is this superfluity of which à Kempis speaks that we must shun. Associate with men, yes, but only, “speak those things which may edify.”
Silence is always to be preferred over human companionship. For in silence we are able delve into the depths of our soul where, hopefully, we encounter a divine presence. By virtue of sanctifying grace, God is literally dwelling within our souls. If we only took the time to search Him out by avoiding more often the cacophony of the world, then we would experience a consolation that all the human companionship in the world could never provide.
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