Tower and Town, October 2021

  (view the full edition)

Clergy Letter

The North American educationalist Anne Sullivan once wrote, "Language and knowledge are indissolubly connected; they are interdependent. Good work in language presupposes and depends on a real knowledge of things." Anne certainly knew what she was talking about, as she is famous for being the teacher of Helen Keller.

Helen was a profoundly deaf and blind girl, who grew to overcome these disabilities. Although Helen never fully developed the power of speech, she learned to communicate eloquently in many other ways. But the thought applies to all of us. As rational beings we desire to have a real knowledge of things, and we learn and share this knowledge largely through language. Other creatures, from whales to ants and bees, have systems of communication, but only humans have reasoned, intelligent speech which can grasp the depths of reality. Intelligent laughter is something that only humans can do.

So language is a gift which builds society, makes cultures and gives us great pleasure. To be used properly it must be used truthfully, and reflect a "real knowledge of things." The ultimate reality that satisfies the human desire for knowledge and truth is God. Thus the highest task of language is to talk about God or to talk to God, however eloquent or otherwise we are, however able-bodied or otherwise we are. All this may take a lifetime, but it is filled with hope and forgiveness, which are much needed in our own days.

Fr John Blacker