A single voice

Monday, April 8

Readings: DN 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62; JN 8:12-20

The very long first reading from Daniel tells a tale of male power and abuse against Susanna.  Two of the respected elders intend to sexually assault her and when their plan is interrupted, they accuse her of a moral crime.  Susanna is found guilty based on their testimony, and they are willing to watch her die for their evil intentions.  If Daniel had not spoken up, her death would have been the outcome. Of course, Susanna’s own voice and testimony were never allowed.

In the gospel, Jesus speaks about testimony that he is giving to the world about God – a God that the religious leaders and authorities do not see or recognize.  Jesus’ testimony is on behalf of those who are marginalized.  He speaks up for and with them – testifying to the truth.

Paul Kivel, who is a social activist and social worker, challenges people in a broad sense when he asks two questions, “What do you stand for?  Who do you stand with?”  The first question, he says, speaks of our values and it is an important question.  But the second question, he says, is where the rubber hits the road.  We may have strong values, but who do we go alongside in order to demonstrate them?  How public are we about what we believe?

I think about Daniel who bothers to speak up – trusting the urging inside of him.  He took a risk challenging the court and the two elders.  But he knew that Susanna’s life was at risk and that he could not just watch this drama play out.  Daniel obviously stood for truth.  But he embodied that as he spoke up on behalf of Susanna. 

This might also be a good place to put in a plug for the difference that one voice can make.  I know it’s a cliché, and many of us can point to occasions where one voice or a thousand did not seem to make a difference.  And yet there is this persistent theme in scripture about the decisions of individuals to follow a deep inner truth that literally changes the course of history.  We also know that in the world around us some of the greatest social movements started because someone decided to do something. One person decided to speak, act or organize.

Lent is a time to both clarify our values and who we want to position ourselves with.  Clearly the model of Jesus is that he consistently positioned himself publicly on the side of the “morally marginalized” (a term used by theologian Sandra Schneiders).  We are invited to do the same.

For today, think about a value you hold that you would like to act more boldly on.  What group (or groups of people) might need you to speak out or act more powerfully on this.  What actions would demonstrate it?  Whose voices or perspectives would be good to amplify?

I have always loved the song “One Voice” by the Wailin’ Jenny’s. If you need a little inspiration today, click here.