As we know, it is a great deal easier to speak of virtue and spiritual ideals than to actually practice or achieve them. However, it signals a still greater rupture between ideals and practice when even talk of such ideals ceases. For, speaking of virtue and holiness—even though we may not live this out—suggests some engagement with the spiritual quest. But when we cease even speaking about virtue and spiritual ideals this may indicate that all desire and longing are at an end, and, in short, we are spiritually dead. The Lord, speaking through the prophet Jeremiah accuses the people of Israel of reaching just such a spiritual state. And so, he tells them that not only has faithfulness disappeared, but the word itself is banished from their speech. As Cistercians one of the fundamental reasons for our communal life is that we may strengthen and support one another in our spiritual struggles. And although the extent to which we share our inner spiritual lives has certain clear boundaries, nevertheless, our conversations—communal and individual—should surely include speaking about the Lord and our experience of his presence and action in our lives? And so we might use this Lenten season to review the quality of our daily conversations with one another and assess the degree to which they incorporate meaningful sharing of our faith experiences in ways that become mutually edifying and a source of strength, support, and encouragement.