DEAF AND DUMB

 A REFLECTION FOR THE 11TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

We can be deaf and we can be dumb in two very different ways.  The first type of deafness and dumbness is purely medical, where we have a physical disability that prevents us from hearing sounds around us or expressing ourselves through speech.  It was such a physical disability that our Lord heals in today’s Gospel. 

But there is a second kind of deafness, one that implies a moral choice that is willful, a deliberate refusal to hear or pay attention to something that we don’t like.  This could be morally virtuous or sinful depending on what we’re listening to.  Sometimes it is a good idea to “turn a deaf ear” to things that are offensive or might lead us into temptation.  At other times though, it might be a bad idea to refuse to listen to certain things.  It could be an act of charity to listen to someone’s suggestions or opposing points of view for example.  Or it might be beneficial to us to listen to the complaints or criticism of others, even if it makes us feel uncomfortable.  Certainly, we should never refuse to listen to things that would elevate us spiritually as such behavior would be offensive to God and thus, in most cases, sinful.

Deciding on whether to speak or not requires a similar moral judgment, one that should be based on prudence, charity and fear of the Lord.  Never are those virtues more needed, and never is our decision more difficult, than when we find ourselves in a position where those around us are behaving badly or speaking sinfully.  Should we just walk away, should we intervene and openly criticize their immoral conduct, or are we tempted to simply ignore it and participate?  Individual circumstances call for a specific judgment call on our part, but there are some general guidelines we may find helpful. 

First of all, we must never simply join in the sinful conversation or behavior as though we approve it.  To do so would be participating in the sins of others.  However, we are naturally hesitant to coldly “spoil the atmosphere” by wagging our finger in disapproval, and indeed, this is very rarely effective.  So what’s left?  Walking away is always an option, although it doesn’t mean we have to stamp away in a huff.  But while leaving the room is a possibility, it does nothing to stop the bad behavior, and thus is not really in the best interests of the parties concerned.  Better still is to subtly change the subject of conversation, or distract the offenders with a more innocent pastime.  We should also try to find an opportunity at some later time to speak one-on-one with those with whom we are most friendly, and point out to them privately and charitably, when they are more receptive, the reasons why we found their conversation distasteful and that it would be beneficial to themselves to behave more honorably in future.

Guided at all times by charity and a zeal for the souls of our neighbor, we will gain experience in knowing when to listen and when not to, when to speak and when to keep our mouths shut.  Our hearing and our speech will thus be based on God’s will and not merely our own often misguided emotions, and we will avoid the pitfalls of being deaf and mute when we should listen to our neighbor and speak to him with true charity.