IN THE SOUNDS OF OUR SILENCE









Pic.: Azriel D'Souza




“The words of the prophets are written
on the subway walls and tenements halls
and whispered in the sounds of silence.”

- Paul Simon 
During Jesus’ trial after his arrest, He was taken to both Jewish religious authorities as well as Roman authorities.  He was first taken to Annas, the former High Priest… Next, He was taken to Caiaphas, the current High Priest… then, to Sanhedrin, the assembly of Jewish religious leaders… From there, Jesus was taken to Pilate, the Roman Governor…. who, on learning that Jesus belonged to King Herod’s jurisdiction, sent Him to be trialed before the merciless Herod… Finally, Herod packed Jesus back to Pilate, and, there, the trial ended: Pilate sentenced Jesus to die on the cross!

There is one episode in this entire trial of Jesus, which, though shrouded in mystery, fills me with strength during my own trials and tribulations. Before each authority – Annas, Caiaphas, Sanhedrin and Pilate – yes, before each of these authorities Jesus was ready to answer to the questions without fearing or worrying about the consequences. But, when He was brought before Herod, who taunted Him to perform some of His miracles, Jesus chose to remain silent!

Didn’t Jesus have an answer to offer? Couldn’t He perform any one miracle to prove who He was before Herod?

Jesus did not choose either to answer any question from Herod or perform any miracle before him… He chose silence!

Jesus’ silence frustrated Herod. He and his men mocked Jesus by dressing Him in a garish kingly robe and sent Him back to Pilate…


To me, Jesus’ silence before Herod is one of His most powerful responses during the entire trial… There is a powerful lesson He has left behind to us…

I come across many Herods during the times of my own trials – I mean my daily trials as I go about my life…

And, I choose to remain silent!

Peace and grace on this Blessed Friday!



GERALD D’CUNHA

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