In the first reading we bear the prophet saying, “I will not be silent, I will not be quiet.” In our world today, it seems too many people are trying to silence their opposition. Like dictators old and new, they seem to think that if they can silence everyone who disagrees with them, they will win all the battles and be the ultimate winner. Unfortunately, such silence comes at a steep price. Often at the expense of someone’s life, organic and spiritual. Are we willing to speak what needs to be heard, as our Church teaches, or will we be silent because what the Church has to say may not be popular or politically correct? If we do not proclaim the truth, how will others know it? How can they respond to God’s calls unless we are prophets? As the psalm says we are called to, “Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.”
Unless we share what God has given us, how are others to know or understand the workings of God? Voices to the contrary will win the day, and the truth may never be known. Our prophetic rolls do not need to be upfront. Mary didn’t make a scene at Cana, yet she made a difference by merely stating, ”They have no wine.” When she spoke, it wasn’t about her, or Jesus, but out of her concern for the hosts. Likewise, we do not always need to make a scene with the truth. We can be as discreet as Mary. Yet, like Mary, and the prophets, we too cannot be silent and cannot be quiet.
Countenance of God 