“Silence . . . ”
Many times silence is really golden. In quiet moments, we can listen to the voice of God within and foster a peace within ourselves that enables us to grow in wisdom and grace.
“Silence . . . ”
Sometimes silence can be deadly, especially when it means we fail to speak up for what is important. “If only I had said something . . .” All of us have moments of regret for not speaking up when someone is being hurt, a reputation is being ruined, statements of prejudice are being voiced, or harmful gossip is being spread.
Christ was truly compassionate toward those who were hurting or outcast. But he was also not afraid to speak the truth and to correct. Instances of this come to mind . . .
▪ To Peter, “Get behind me you Satan.”
▪ To the Pharisees, “You hypocrites.”
▪ To those ready to stone a women, “Let him without sin cast the first stone.”
▪ To all of us, “I have come to cast fire on the earth.”
John Quiñones in his television program “What Would You Do?” stages situations where ordinary people are filmed either speaking up or avoiding issues when someone should speak up on behalf of others. “What would you do?” is a great question!
I challenge myself and all of you to pray for the gift of knowing when to keep silent and when to speak up. When good people fail to speak up, more harm can be done than those who do evil. Whether in our homes, at work, or at social events out in public, there are times for us to speak out for what is right and just.
