Echoing the Silence!

“There are certainly situations whose injustice cries to heaven.” The current purge in Zimbabwe against perceived enemies of ZANU not only makes us wonder about the necessity of the ‘democratic’ voting process, but makes us question the very essence of the leadership we have. The current conspiracies against life are evident in the war of the powerful against the weak and vulnerable. Violence cannot be used as a way to solving the very complex social or personal problems, as it has its resultant effects on the very people democracy is supposed to protect. A spurious social, political or economic leader exploits, divides and manipulates people with so much pride, prejudice and passion that bleach his own conscience. No doubt what bedevils us as a nation arises from a need, on a few people’s parts, to be always superior, esoteric and advanced at the expense of the rest. The unceasing urge to be dominant constitutes the hermeneutics of suppressing the giftedness in others. Do we see any hope in the idolatry which, immense, fascinated war vets, youths and militia show for a leader who has, by ceaseless propaganda succeeded in paralyzing not only any critical or creative spirit in their minions, but all sense of value? The multiplication of popular slogans in official speeches and the media should not, however, mislead us – for certainly it is not by mere publicity that we shall succeed in reaching the deepest inner recesses and hidden springs of individual wills!

The aftermath of the ‘historic’ synchronized elections have left indelible imprints in the lives of many vulnerable Zimbabweans. Amidst all this chaos, it is true to say when God gazes on Zimbabwe today, God sees beyond our externals. God sees the motivation of our hearts: treachery, vile, anger, - and for us thus, the renewed consciousness of the Gospel demands makes it our duty to put ourselves at the service of all. In the light of all this, especially those on the receiving end, the social teachings would have a profound solidarity with them, cultivating a preferential love towards the afflicted. The fundamental thrust of the Christian is to live in allegiance to Jesus Christ, whose mission included bringing the total liberation of humanity from all sin and oppression. In the Zimbabwean situation, we ought to conscientizes our leadership and ourselves too, to turn to those in situations of greater weakness, vulnerability and therefore in greater need. We cannot remain untouched by the cry of the poor for the fundamental reason for our misery lies in the depths of our hearts – and it is a great mistake to blame only others for the situation, for each of us bears some responsibility.

The independent press and international media are awash with graphic details of torture victims. Betrayal by one’s own government is worse than death. John Paul II strongly counsels us that with a “vigorous reaffirmation of the value of human life and its inviolability, and at the same time a pressing appeal …[to]… respect, protect, love and serve life, every human life! Only in this direction will [we] find justice, development, true freedom, peace and happiness.” The social teachings as our best kept secret unceasingly probe us to denounce the actions of the powerful against defenceless people. In the thick of all these troubles, we must discern the voice of God and its promptings as regards the plight of those who are being flogged, punished and killed for not exercising their democratic right ‘wisely’. The events of our lives are not meaningless for at the heart of every event, God calls us to make a choice and step forward. We must “take the initiative freely […] to infuse a Christian spirit into the mentality, customs, laws, and structures of the community in which [we] live”. Offering prayers and entreaty for the suffering is, of course, very important, but the authentic prayer is how we live in our daily lives, for even prayer has been used as an escape from reality. The very people who throng our cathedrals and parishes - are the ones unleashing unparalleled terror on others. That I am employed in the defence forces or am a party fanatic does not remove my guilt when I decidedly act myopically and not pay attention to that light murmuring sound or voice of my conscience and of God. We have to be faithful to God in our particular situations, being aware of God’s presence not in dramatic ways but in the midst of our ordinary daily lives.

A few years back the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) reminded us in a pastoral letter that God was indeed not deaf to the cry of the oppressed, and neither must we be ignorant or deaf too. Jesus Christ is for the Christian the primary model and to be advocates for peace is our obligation. If we are conscious of the root causes of conflict in our country, then we are on the right path for there can be no lasting peace until such causes are known, understood, and addressed. Idol worshipping is still prevalent in our midst even though the names of the idols may vary or change, but the substance endures. Sadly, it is those in positions of responsibility who have turned some among us into such idol worshippers. We must analyze objectively our situation, shedding on it the light of the Gospel and to discern the options and commitments called for.

Our commitment to justice and peace is not an option, but an urgent challenge. Ours is a task of not only rekindling the spirits of the victims of the current waves of violence and torture whose hope is half-stifled by the repressive tactics of our political leadership, but we are called to greater action. Whatever we attempt as Christian or good-willed people will not necessarily be easygoing for there are many risks involved, for example, there will be some among us who “characterize as subversive activities all attempts to change the social system which favors the permanence of their privileges” and will use force to repress any opposition finding ideological justifications to give their actions honest appeal. May we never be deaf to the cries of our poor, deprived, oppressed and suffering brothers and sisters!