4 August 2018 - courage of our convictions

Today's Readings (Audio)

Now, therefore, reform your ways and your deeds;
listen to the voice of the LORD your God,
so that the LORD will repent of the evil with which he threatens you.

The LORD wants to give his people boldness in speaking his word. He wants to save a world that has altogether lost interest in him. He needs people who aren't afraid of shaking things up. To speak his word we cannot be too concerned about the consequences for ourselves. We need the conviction of Jeremiah.

But mark well: if you put me to death,
it is innocent blood you bring on yourselves,
on this city and its citizens.
For in truth it was the LORD who sent me to you,
to speak all these things for you to hear.

St. John Vianney

Have we ever been this convicted of the truth? We need to believe God's message. We need to believe how much the world needs it. We need to believe it so much that we can't help but speak even when their might be consequences for our reputation, our livelihood, or even our lives. The message entrusted to us is at least as true and important as the message proclaimed by Jeremiah. We need to ask for the grace to realize that importance in our own hearts.

It is this same boldness of spirit that causes problems for John the Baptist. Yet for both Jeremiah and John it is also what makes them compelling. There is clearly no ulterior motive. They proclaim the truth because it is true, no matter the cost to themselves.

Let us pray for the boldness we need as disciples of Christ. God knows that on our own we are cowards. He knows that we need his grace and he delights to give it.

And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,  while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness (see Acts of the Apostles 4:29-31).

How can we keep silent when the world needs this message so much? At a certain point silence because selfishness. It becomes omission. But again, God stands ready to give us the courage we need. He himself will make us bold.

See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, may your hearts revive!
For the LORD hears the poor,
and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.