Clint Smith presents a TedTalk “The Danger of Silence” in which he encourages everyone to proclaim his/her silence. He makes the point that we should not be silent when confronted with injustice.
Sometimes silence may result in danger to ourselves or others. That is why we are called to provide Spiritual Works of Mercy that sometimes require us to “speak up”: Counsel the doubtful, Instruct the ignorant, Admonish the sinner, Comfort the sorrowful, Forgive all injuries, Bear wrongs patiently, Pray for the living and the dead.
But the Grace of God is needed to provide the Spiritual Works of Mercy. It is through the Holy Spirits that the Gifts of Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord make it possible to have empathy and help our neighbor in ways consistent with the Will of God. Without God’s Grace we risk causing harm by responding in ignorance and pride, with human solutions that violate the dignity of others.
Adolescence is a period of idealism and activism appeals to their nature that is pointed to the Good. It is all the more important that their activism be rooted in the graces that flow through the gifts of the Holy Spirit (with guidance from parents), because they can be easily manipulated, particularly when they are miseducated in virtues such as justice and empathy. When students are educated that Truth belongs to them and there is no objective Truth, the consequences for action without discernment can be grave and quickly devolve into “the cult of self-worship”.
As Catholic’s we have a long history of understanding it is through Silence that we can hear the voice of the Lord. Silence is necessary to discern the Truth. Adolescence is a period defined by rash judgment and impulsiveness. It is particularly dangerous when the discussion takes place in the context of questions such as: “Why is it important to tell
‘our truth’? In what ways can you share your ‘truth’?”
The danger comes from the “Dictatorship of Noise”, as Cardinal Sarah warns.
“Silence is not an idea; it is the path that enables human beings to go to God. God is silence, and this divine silence dwells within a human being. By living with the silent God, and in Him, we ourselves become silent.”
The Power of Silence Against the Dictatorship of Noise, Cardinal Robert Sarah
parentsoutofexile 