{"id":4519,"date":"2014-09-17T08:30:52","date_gmt":"2014-09-17T13:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/customwordpresssites.com\/mjb\/?p=4519"},"modified":"2026-02-26T13:49:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T19:49:33","slug":"silence-sacred-and-dangerous","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/customwordpresssites.com\/mjb\/2014\/09\/17\/silence-sacred-and-dangerous\/","title":{"rendered":"Silence: sacred and dangerous"},"content":{"rendered":"

Those who spare their words are truly knowledgeable,<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

and those who are discreet are intelligent.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Even fools, keeping silent, are considered wise;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

if they keep their lips closed, intelligent.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

– Proverbs 17:27-28<\/p>\n

I am no stranger to silence. In fact, I love it and have often chose to lean into it.<\/p>\n

Silence is powerful and sacred. I savor silent, comfortable moments shared with my loved ones. Especially when I am praying.<\/p>\n

Silence is rich with meaning and Truth. God often uses beauty to communicate with us when we tune in and really pay attention.<\/p>\n

It is hard to listen to God in moments like these if I am occupied with my technological toys or filling gaps with chatter.<\/p>\n

\""old<\/a>
Old Olive Tree in Assisi<\/em> by Julia Walsh, FSPA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\""flower<\/a>
Flower Through Stone<\/em>\u00a0by Julia Walsh, FSPA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\""Inside<\/a>
Inside San Damiano<\/em>\u00a0by Julia Walsh, FSPA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yes, much is revealed to us in silence.<\/p>\n

The thing is, it is such a powerful force; it can be constructive and\u00a0<\/em>destructive.<\/p>\n

Despite its sacredness,\u00a0there are times when we must absolutely not let silence have the last word. Indeed, in the wrong time and place, silence can be very dangerous.<\/p>\n

Sometimes the Gospel calls us to end silence. We must\u00a0use the power of our voice to protect the oppressed, to advocate for justice, to love our neighbors.<\/p>\n

This video recently served as a powerful reflection for me on just that:<\/p>\n