Cardinal Robert Sarah brings an authentic witness of a contemplative living in the world. As a priest and later as a young bishop resisting threats against the Church from the Marxist dictatorship in Guinea, Africa, he developed the practice of making monthly retreats of prayer and fasting, uncovering the strength that lies hidden in silence. From his rich experiences in Carthusian monasteries, he wrote the book, The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise.
Silence may appear weak before the strong and powerful forces of the world. But Cardinal Sarah writes that, “a man on his knees is more powerful than the world. … All you who, to the eyes of men, are without power and influence … your mission is great. It is to prevent the world from destroying itself.” Those who engage silence conquer darkness with a love that is stronger than death.
Cardinal Sarah describes the meek and humble of the earth — such as the unborn, the sick, and the elderly — as “magnificent prophets of silence” who point us to the interior world and to the God who speaks in silence. These hidden souls have been entrusted with a mission to proclaim to the world that the meaning of life is not about what we can do or produce, but about love. The vulnerable among us are prophets of love, and they make clear the words of St. John of the Cross who said, “In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.”
Here is one beautiful soul among our friends, family, and missions who is a true prophet of silence in our world:
ALICIA*
As a single mother, Alicia was terrified by the lack of support and instability she felt. During her pregnancy and premature delivery, Alicia learned to rely on God. Alicia said, “At first, I was very resentful and I felt like I was in the dark. It was so painful to watch my daughter suffer in the NICU for 78 days. I had many sleepless nights. But each day, as she continued to grow and fight for her life, I experienced God working miracles. She is a living testimony of God’s grace. She teaches me about God’s faithfulness. She is indeed my prophet she was a silent miracle even when she was in my womb. Every time I used to be sad or gloomy she would kick me and make her presence felt. She taught me the truth of God’s goodness and the beauty in His wonderful care! Love is personified in my baby’s smile every morning. Through her, I have learned that God is my ever-present help.”
(*Name changed for anonymity)
Originally printed in IMPRINT Magazine Winter 2019.
