“[The grace of God] teaches us to renounce impiety and worldly desires, and to live in the present age in a reasonable way, with justice and piety, as we await the blessed hope: the manifestation of the glory” (Titus 2:11-14).

In his letters, Saint Paul gives us two indications that might seem contradictory but, in fact, reveal the intervention of the Holy Spirit on two different levels: the internal forum and the external forum.

Here lies the starting point and the difficulty it presents: On the one hand, Saint Paul, like all New Testament authors, speaks of a life with Christ; on the other, he invites us to love our neighbour. But both of these aspects are aspects of fire—meaning fervour, enthusiasm, and growth in love, in spiritual experience, and in the fire of preaching. How, then, can one manage this fervour externally? Here, Saint Paul provides two key guidelines:

  1. Your life with Christ is hidden (Colossians 3:3-4), and
  2. Live as reasonable people (Titus 2:11-14).

This provides a crucial insight and the solution for handling the striking contrast between, on the one hand, the growth of the spiritual life—especially its “explosiveness”—and, on the other, daily life with others, which is bound by time and limitations. What is fervent, explosive, and powerful is meant to remain hidden and secret within.

This implies that, at a certain stage of spiritual growth, there is a turning point to be taken and a new perspective to put into practice: understanding that there is a distinction between the interior and the exterior, the internal forum and the external forum. As stark as this difference may appear, it is entirely manageable.

Externally, what is visible to others is: “Live as reasonable people.” This means that outwardly, what others perceive is something “reasonable,” which does not reveal the inner reality.

This does not mean extinguishing the inner fire. On the contrary, fervour can and must continue to grow—there is no limit to the growth of love. However, learning to manage the inner fire is essential. Learning to let only what is necessary emerge—actually, very little—is a considerable challenge but a necessary one. Our life with Christ is real but internal, hidden, and called to remain mostly hidden! It can unfold during the Prayer of the Heart, but so often, even that prayer feels dry.

This is also why the work of studying and analysing the life of a saint is so difficult—the analyst must attempt to perceive what lies beneath the surface.

This distinction between the two worlds is a necessary condition for managing the spiritual life, its growth, and the fervour it brings. This applies, first and foremost, to Christ and the Virgin Mary. Subsequently, and to a much lesser degree, it applies to the saints and all spiritual individuals. Understanding, accepting, and living the reality that the most important part of our being and life must remain hidden is difficult to manage—a true turning point in life.

Coming to terms with the exponential growth of one’s spiritual life without letting much of it show is a completely surprising exercise for the “novice.” A person may experience deep fervour and passion for the Lord, suffering inwardly from this Fire, so difficult to contain and even harder to express in daily life. Yet, this is a condition for survival and, above all, for continuing to serve the Lord. Sometimes, one must even moderate their impulses to endure keeping it all inside and containing it.

This is a fundamental aspect of deep spiritual life and the life of the saints, as one reads and tries to understand it!

Saint Paul’s words to Titus become clearer: “[The grace of God] teaches us to renounce impiety and worldly desires, and to live in the present age in a reasonable way, with justice and piety, as we await the blessed hope: the manifestation of the glory” (Titus 2:11-14).

“The Secret of The King is Not to be Revealed”

The idea that “the secret of the King is not to be revealed” and the mystical advice to maintain discretion about spiritual graces reflects a deep spiritual principle found across the writings of many mystics, including Saint John of the Cross. This counsel is rooted in the need to safeguard the soul’s intimacy with God and to protect the fruits of grace from the dangers of pride, misinterpretation, or dissipation. Let’s explore this teaching and its basis in mystical theology with references.

1. Saint John of the Cross: Silence as Protection of Grace

Saint John of the Cross, in his “Spiritual Canticle” and “The Ascent of Mount Carmel”, often emphasises the need for discretion concerning the graces received from God. He explains that spiritual experiences and divine encounters are treasures meant to deepen one’s relationship with God and are often too sacred to be shared openly. Speaking of them can lead to the following dangers. Sharing graces can subtly inflate the ego, as the soul might become attached to the admiration or approval of others. Loss of Grace: Exposing sacred experiences to the world may diminish their efficacy, as they are no longer protected in the intimacy of the soul. Misunderstanding: Others may misunderstand or trivialise the grace, leading to confusion or harm.

In the “Spiritual Canticle” (Stanza 14), Saint John writes: “The bride has entered the sweet garden of her desire, and she rests in delight, laying her neck on the gentle arms of her Beloved. She breathes the air of life, and it is in this retreat that she receives many blessings and graces. Yet she does not reveal them, for these secrets belong to the intimate conversation between the soul and God.”

In “The Ascent of Mount Carmel” (Book II, Chapter 17), he advises: “Do not seek to speak of these things, for in speaking of them you may grow attached to them or lose the delicate workings of God in your soul. Silence is the language of love, and in this silence, the soul is purified and strengthened in grace.”

2. The “Secret of the King” in Scripture and Tradition

The phrase “the secret of the King is not to be revealed” has biblical roots and traditional support:

Biblical Foundation
In Tobit 12:7, we read: “It is good to guard the secret of a king, but gloriously to reveal the works of God.” This verse illustrates the balance between discretion and testimony. While the works of God are to be glorified publicly, there is a wisdom in guarding the secret dealings of God in the soul, especially when they pertain to intimate spiritual encounters. The King’s “secret” refers to the soul’s personal union with God, which is unique and not always meant to be shared.

Jesus’ Teaching on the Hidden Life

In Matthew 6:6, Jesus teaches: “When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” The intimate relationship between the soul and God is cultivated in the hidden space of the heart, away from the gaze of others. This resonates with the mystical call to “zip it” and preserve the sacred intimacy.

3. Mystical Discretion and the Bride’s Silence

Saint John of the Cross compares the soul to a bride who must remain silent about her union with the Bridegroom. In “The Living Flame of Love”, he describes the experience of deep union as one that grows in the hidden chambers of the heart: “The soul that is united with God becomes so enkindled with love that it desires nothing but Him. Yet this flame is hidden, burning in silence, as it cannot be exposed to the winds of the world, lest it be extinguished.” Here, the “winds of the world” refer to distractions, pride, or the misunderstandings of others. The bride’s silence is not passivity but an active guarding of grace to let it mature.

4. Why Silence Is a Turning Point

The turning point in spiritual life, when one learns to “zip it,” is significant for several reasons: Maturation of the Soul: The soul begins to move from outward expressions of fervour to an inward, contemplative love. This marks a deeper stage of union where the soul seeks God for His sake alone. Humility: By remaining silent about graces, the soul avoids attaching itself to consolations or the admiration of others, focusing entirely on God. Deeper Intimacy: The relationship with God becomes more profound, as the soul treasures its union without needing external validation.

Saint John explains in “The Dark Night” (Book II, Chapter 9): “It is in silence and suffering that the soul grows in strength. The divine light is so delicate that it must be protected from all distractions and disturbances. To reveal it prematurely is to risk its loss.”

5. Balancing Witness and Silence

While mystics like Saint John emphasise silence, the Gospel also calls for witnessing to God’s works. This requires discernment: When to Witness: Graces that inspire others to faith or glorify God can be shared, but only with humility and at the prompting of the Holy Spirit. When to Remain Silent: Personal spiritual experiences, especially those that pertain to union with God, should often remain hidden to protect their sanctity and efficacy.

Conclusion: “My Secret Is Mine”

The advice to keep spiritual graces hidden is a call to humility, discretion, and deeper intimacy with God. Saint John of the Cross teaches us that silence is not about suppressing the fire of love but about letting it grow unencumbered by external distractions. The spiritual life, especially at advanced stages, requires guarding the treasures God bestows so they can bear fruit in the depths of the soul. As the mystics show us, this silence is not a loss but a sacred act of love, ensuring that what is most precious remains with the King.