How to Tell People Things They Don’t Want to Hear

A Reflection for the Saturday of the Seventeenth Week of Ordinary Time

As for me, I am in your hands; do with me what you will. think well and right.

Today’s readings are a kind of manual for telling people things they don’t want to hear. This is a topic worth pondering, now that almost all of us have a few nice words we would like to say to at least a few of our fellow citizens. In turbulent times, it can be difficult to find the line between defending the truth and succumbing to passion. When does justice become yourself-righteousness? Scripture can help us gain perspective on this.

Both the prophet Jeremiah and John the Baptist were charged with telling the truth to those in power, preaching an unwelcome message to those in prime position to take revenge. Jeremiah told the cities of Judah to repent or face the consequences. John told the king not to take his brother’s wife. At this point, it was a waiting game for the Lord’s messengers, and their storylines move in a strange kind of symmetry.

Jeremiah’s warning is initially met with strong resistance, which turns into murderous rage. He seems to be in mortal danger. However, one man, Ahikam, speaks on his behalf and convinces the people to put aside their anger and open their hearts. Jeremiah survives. In contrast, St. John the Baptist initially appears to be reasonably safe. King Herod arrests him, but is afraid to harm a man with such an intimidating reputation. Unfortunately, the woman is more out for revenge, and she plays the political angle, forcing Herod into action. St. John is executed.

You never know for sure how things will turn out when you accept a command from Almighty God. Even when things seem desperate, there is always a chance for rescue at the last moment. On the other hand, you may end up with your head on a platter. God moves in mysterious ways.

This is a point to consider when we find ourselves delivering an unwelcome message, enjoying the heady feeling of being on the side of the angels. Even if you are on the side of truth, there is no guarantee that things will go well for you. personal, at least in the here and now. Are you willing to accept that, for the sake of higher things? Jeremiah was.

If we are honest, we must admit that it is very difficult for us to endure hostility or persecution without falling prey to certain temptations. We may judge others unjustly and desire revenge. Or we may indulge in vain thoughts about our own righteousness, anticipating the vindication that we hope will come. Jesus did preach that those who are “persecuted for righteousness’ sake” will inherit the kingdom of heaven, and it is not wrong to take hope in that promise. But that justification happens in Gods preferred time and manner, not ours. Meanwhile, his messengers must often sit still.

God has a great willingness to show mercy to the persecuted and afflicted. The Psalms are filled with beautiful prayers on this subject. However, the psalmist also gives us a sense of the attitude We must obey God in times of need. “Let your salvation, O God, protect me,” he prays. “I will praise the name of God with a song, and I will magnify him with thanksgiving.”

God’s plans far exceed ours, and it is is truly an honor to suffer for Christ’s sake and for the truth. But it is difficult for us to accept that honor in the right spirit, so we must pray for the grace to speak the truth with integrity, humility And only love That a kind of messenger can reach the people until they say, “It is in the name of the Lord our God that he speaks to us.”