Monkey Business

I wonder if Jesus is responsible for the sayings of the three wise monkeys: see no evil; hear no evil; speak no evil.  In today’s Gospel he says: “…they look, but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.”

Monkey #1 has its hands over its eyes.  It chooses not to see evil, much like many of us with evil acts before us, but we do nothing.   We see a husband strike his wife, but we see nothing.   We see a bully harass and hurt someone weaker or smaller, and we see nothing.

Monkey #2 has its hands over its ears.  It chooses not to hear evil, much like many of us who hear damaging gossip and false accusations, but we hear nothing.  We choose not to understand our politicians’ spinning of lies into “truths” for their personal gain and prestige.

Monkey #3 has its hands over its mouth.  This monkey seems to have gotten it right.   It chooses not to speak evil.   It refuses to use words that cut like a sharp-edged sword, to speak ill of people, to slander, or to put someone down.

Jesus is not quoted as saying: “They have mouths, but chose not to speak out against injustice.”  He very well could have.  That also would have been a good way to describe Monkey #3.

Today and every day let’s remember not to monkey around.   For all of us Christ the King parishioners, let’s say with confidence: “Blessed are our eyes, because they see.  Blessed are our ears, because they hear.  Blessed are our mouths, because they speak, as did Jesus, on behalf of the poor, the outcasts, and the lost."

Deacon David Pierce