My Lips Are Sealed

Imagine the scene: a historic murder trial is taking place.

The victim was well-known in his local community. Though well-liked by many, he had also made some enemies. The District Attorney has done his best to find eye-witnesses who will testify. However, not many individuals have been cooperative with his efforts. The few who have agreed to witness have been quite sparse on details. There is a plethora of evidence, but few people to corroborate his findings. The prosecutor is wondering if he will end up with a mistrial.

The defense attorneys are the best money can buy. They are confident their client will come out looking like a hero, rather than a murderer. They are many witnesses who have eagerly stepped forward to share their accounts of the murder. In truth, some of the testimony was offered, not sought out by them. They are quite sure the multitude of verbal evidence will overshadow anything the prosecutor has to offer.

The media is covering the trial in minute detail. They have scrutinized every possible angle, and are ecstatic with the viewership. Every possible demographic—other than young children—has increased exponentially. The advertisers are pouring thousands (millions?) of dollars into the network coffers. This is a historic moment for their finances!

The judge, a man of great reputation, knows this trial could make or break his career. However, he welcomes the challenge. This is the type of case he could only dream about in his law school days. If all goes well, he has no doubt it will launch him toward a promising appointment to a higher court. If it goes sour, well, he might not mind an early retirement.

The day of the opening arguments has arrived. The courtroom is packed to standing-room only. Only the fire code prevents another soul from entering. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation. Each side presents a solid, thought-provoking opening statement. Both prosecutor and defense appear confident and well prepared.

Not wanting to delay the proceedings, the judge quickly moves into the witness phase. All reporters are poised to record this historic moment. And then, a strange thing occurs…

Every witness, after being sworn in, sits silently on the stand. When prodded and threatened with contempt, each “pleads the Fifth” and is summarily dismissed from the stand. The prosecutor is dumb founded. The defense smiles in confidence. Until another strange thing occurs…

Each witness for the defense repeats the pattern. Not one word of testimony is given.

You may find this story too incredible to be true. And, in fact, it would never really happen. Or would it?

What would have happened if, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, the eye witnesses all kept silent? What if no one ever spoke another word about His betrayal, the quick hearing in the cloak of darkness, the moments before both Pilate and Herod, and, ultimately His crucifixion? What if the only witnesses were the false witnesses before the Jewish council? What if…all was silent?

What if, after His resurrection, His disciples decided it was too risky to speak up? What if Peter had chosen to stay in the upper room, enjoying a joyous time of prayer with his fellow apostles and other followers of Christ? What if every one of those 120 people chose to come back every week—just this 120—but never spoke of it outside those four walls? What if???

What if we decide that what we find at Mass every week is just fine for us, but determine to keep it to ourselves? What if we never mention it once we walk out those doors? What if we remain silent?

“But how are men to call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14