A brother came to Abba Poemen in the second week of Lent and told him his thoughts, and found peace of mind from his answer. Then he said: “I was almost stopped from coming to see you today.” And the old man said: “Why?” And he said: “I was afraid that the door would not be opened as it is Lent.” And Abba Poemen answered him: “We were not taught to shut wooden doors; the door we need to keep shut is the mouth.”

I pray that I may remain quiet where silence is required.