Is Silence Really Golden?

” I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”  ~Elie Wiesel

Yesterday, our priest gave an excellent sermon on the sanctity of life. He has been one of our priests since I was a child. He is about the same age as my folks (a year younger, actually); we share the same birthday.

Father spoke about how we must all protect life, from conception to natural death. He shared how his mother was gravely ill when she was pregnant with him, in the mid-1930’s. Apparently, her doctor told her that her life would be spared if she “got rid of the baby.” Of course, this was not an option. His mother delivered him and lived many years.

As I sat listening to him share his story, I was overwhelmed by how much good would not have occurred if this one man had not been born. This is a man who is able to reach everyone in the congregation, from small children to the elderly. He has a way about him that is so calming, so warm. His style of preaching is more of sharing, rather then of lecture.

I was so glad that he not only shared his very personal story, but that he also encouraged everyone to stand up for life, to not be silent.I could not agree more!