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In a world often plagued by injustice, oppression, and suffering, we are frequently confronted with a critical choice: to speak up or remain silent. The mantra "If you see something, say something" isn't just a catchy phrase for public safety—it's a powerful call to action for those who witness wrongdoing in any form.

Throughout history, there have been pivotal moments where silence has prevailed in the face of great injustice. These instances serve as stark reminders of the consequences of inaction and the importance of raising our voices against wrongdoing.

One such moment occurred during the crucifixion of Jesus. As He hung on the cross, enduring unimaginable pain and suffering, the religious people of the day—those we might consider the "church" of that time—stood by watching in silence. Despite their usual strict adherence to religious laws and swift punishment for even minor infractions, they remained mute in the face of this gross injustice. Their silence suggested a greater concern for appeasing the corrupt Roman government than for the anguish of the suffering Christ.

In His moment of agony, Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This heart-wrenching plea, echoing the words of Psalm 22, highlights not only Jesus' human suffering but also the profound silence that surrounded Him in that moment. It's a stark reminder that even in our darkest hours, when we feel abandoned and alone, we must find the courage to speak out against injustice.

Fast forward to Nazi Germany, where another chilling example of silence in the face of evil unfolded. A young Christian boy, now in his 80s, recounts the story of his church during the Holocaust. Every Sunday, as they worshipped, a train carrying Jewish prisoners to concentration camps would pass by. The cries and screams from the train were so disturbing that the pastor moved the worship songs to coincide with the train's passing, encouraging the congregation to "sing a little louder" to drown out the sounds of suffering.

This haunting tale serves as a powerful metaphor for how we often choose to ignore or drown out the cries of the oppressed, rather than confronting the injustice head-on. It's a sobering reminder of how easy it can be to become complicit in evil through our silence and inaction.

Another dark chapter in history unfolded on Easter Sunday in 1899 in Colfax, Louisiana. After church services, thousands of white Christians boarded trains to witness the lynching of a black man named Samuel Thomas Wilkins. The stark contrast between their act of worship and their eagerness to participate in such a horrific event highlights the dangerous disconnect that can occur when we fail to apply our faith to issues of justice and human dignity.

These historical examples beg the question: Is the silence of religious people in the face of injustice an exception, or is it a recurring pattern? Do we, as people of faith, still prioritize earthly powers over the righteous commands of the God we claim to worship?

Today, we see similar patterns of silence on issues like racism, political corruption, and various forms of discrimination. Many choose to remain silent about these injustices, often justifying their inaction with excuses like politeness, underestimation of the problem, fear of consequences, or a belief that one voice can't make a difference.

But as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. poignantly stated, "The greatest tragedy of this period of social transition is not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people." Our silence in the face of injustice is not neutral—it is complicity.

The gospel of Jesus Christ calls us to a different standard. We are called to be voices for the voiceless, to stand up for justice, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This isn't always comfortable or easy, but it is necessary.

In the Easter story, we find a powerful example of speaking up in the face of incredulity. When the women discovered Jesus' empty tomb, they didn't remain silent. Despite the cultural norms that might have discouraged them from speaking out, they ran to tell the disciples what they had seen. Mary Magdalene boldly proclaimed, "I have seen the Lord!" Her courage to speak up became a cornerstone of the resurrection story.

As we reflect on these historical and biblical examples, we must ask ourselves: What injustices do we see in our world today? Are we willing to speak up, even when it's uncomfortable or unpopular? Are we drowning out the cries of the suffering with our own "louder singing," or are we willing to listen and act?

The call to "see something, say something" is not just about reporting suspicious packages. It's about being aware of the injustices around us and having the courage to speak out against them. It's about recognizing that our voice matters and that silence in the face of wrongdoing is a form of complicity.

As people of faith, we are called to be light in the darkness, to stand for justice, and to be a voice for the voiceless. This doesn't mean we have all the answers or that speaking up will always be easy. But it does mean that we have a responsibility to engage with the world around us, to confront injustice where we see it, and to work towards a more just and equitable society for all.

Let us not be like those who stood silently by the cross, or those who sang louder to drown out the cries of the suffering. Instead, let us be like Mary Magdalene, who saw something extraordinary and couldn't keep it to herself. Let us be people who, when we see injustice, have the courage to say something.

In doing so, we honor the teachings of Jesus, who consistently stood up for the marginalized and spoke truth to power. We embody the love and justice that are at the heart of the gospel message. And we play our part in building a world that more closely reflects the kingdom of God—a place of justice, equity, and love for all.