"No one is insignificant in the eyes of God," writes author and teacher Allan F. Wright in his introduction to Silent Witnesses in the Gospels. The servants who filled the jars at Jesus’ command when he turned the water into wine, those who moved the stone in front of Lazarus’ tomb, the boy who donated his barley loaves and fish, the four friends of the paralyzed man, the woman with two copper coins, the woman with the alabaster jar who anointed Jesus feet at Simons’ house. All these characters and many more share one important trait: In the Biblical accounts where they appear they are silent. No words escape their lips; nevertheless, their actions give pause for self-examination, reflection and inspiration especially during the Lenten season.
The Most Reverend John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey, comments in his endorsement of Wrights’ work, "How often have we heard the old adage, "actions speak louder than words!" St. Francis put a different spin on it when he said, "preach always and when necessary use words." Both of these relate to us the message of the work by Allan Wright. The actions of the countless men and women we have heard about in the Gospels, since our childhood, we have taken for granted and overlooked. Their actions give us cause for meditation. Wright has done a superb job of adding another dimension to the Scriptures, which draws us closer to the Word of God in the person of Jesus Christ."
Wright reflects on what sort of lives these silent witnesses might have lived before and during their life-altering encounter with Jesus. He also provides a framework for the reader to apply the lessons to their own situation in the providence of their everyday lives. Rev. John F. Morley, Ph.D. Seton Hall University Professor of Religious Studies writes, "The most rewarding and positive benefit of the Silent Witnesses in the Gospels is that these witnesses cease to be silent as the author gives them not only a voice but also a meaning and role in the Gospels…and point to a more Christ centered life."
Allan F. Wright, author, High School teacher and Seton Hall University Adjunct Professor is an award-winning educator from New Jersey. He received his master’s degree in Theology from Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University and is a member of the Missionary Cenacle Apostolate, MCA. In addition to his teaching endeavors, Wright is a popular speaker who has given presentations on the ‘silent witnesses’ across the country. Allan and his wife Desiree reside in New Jersey.
By Rachel Rauch
