[ Today's Readings ]
Our own fear, weakness, and trembling is no hinderance to God revealing himself through us. Our lack of persuasive words does not prevent him from working in us with a demonstration of spirit and power. It's better this way. We don't want people to have faith because of a persuasive argument we thought of. We don't want their faith to rest on human wisdom. Instead, we want it to rest on the power of God.
In prison, John doesn't make use of a lot of clever ideas or well spoken words. He speaks with integrity and he is very direct.
“It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
He says this in spite of the fact that everything is only likely to be harder for him because he does so. And on the one hand it is, because, "Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so." But on the other hand something about this man who will not be silent even in prison is compelling to Herod.
It is true that it is not enough in this case to persuade Herod much less Herodias or his daughter. But who knows what seeds this plants. It contributes to the everlasting witness of John the Baptist to the messiah he came to proclaim. Even if Herod goes to his death unrepentant it does not diminish the witness he unwittingly allows John the Baptist to give to Jesus. John does not turn aside from speaking the simple truth, not with eloquence or wisdom, but simply with the power of God. He does not turn aside even in the face of suffering and death. Humans turn aside in the face of death. Or maybe they go down fighting. They do not die in peaceful witness. The is obviously the power of God at work. This is the pinnacle demonstration of spirit and power.
The trick is to know and love the Word of God.
How I love your law, O LORD!
It is my meditation all the day.
When we do this we will not turn aside, no matter what happens.
From your ordinances I turn not away,
for you have instructed me.
Then we will be the witnesses that we are called to be. John the Baptist, pray for us!
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