Know the Word, Preach the Word

I love this Sunday’s first reading from Jeremiah. It has a lot to do with knowing God’s Word, but also preaching that Word and to do so boldly. Jeremiah took that Word in; he let it stir in his heart and then brought it forth to the People of Israel. Sometimes that Word is accepted by others, but often it is rejected or only accepted partially and the person who pays the consequences is usually the one who is preaching, and not just the priest or deacon, but anyone who preaches the Good Word, anywhere and anytime. Jeremiah himself says, “The Word of the Lord has brought me derision and reproach all the day.” He is clearly saying that not everyone was open to this Word, many have turned against him. Nevertheless there are two great lessons for us here, the first) we must know Sacred Scripture and two) we must preach it.

How do I get to know Scripture? Well, simply read it. So many Catholics are not comfortable with Scripture if not avoiding it altogether. St. Jerome (4^th Century Church Father, Biblical Scholar, and most likely a Croatian – born in what is today called Split) said, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” The bible is about Jesus who himself is the Word of God. Often Catholics will ask, “How can I talk to God and how do I know if He is talking back to me?” That is called prayer. We can use Scripture in many ways, but the three most important are to 1) pray the Scripture, i.e. asking God for guidance, to meditate and reflect, 2) to learn about salvation history, and 3) to delve deeper into the Divine mysteries, i.e. the deeper questions concerning God and life. In all of these we hear God’s voice talking back to us.

Knowing is only half of what is required, the second leg which is the other half and maybe the more important aspect is that I must preach what I know. This does not mean we are to smash the bible over peoples’ heads if they are ignorant, mistaken, or have gone astray, no indeed, rather we must preach first and foremost with compassion and by our actions. And yet, sometimes we must be firm and not waver. Remember that Jesus says, “Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26)

Sometimes people will challenge Christian beliefs, often times they themselves usually challenge those beliefs because of some morality issue, some hurt in their own lives, or some complaint against religion and institution. As a Catholic one must be equipped to respond at least on a rudimentary level to people’s questions, complaints, and concerns about our faith. It is not just for the priest, though that is a big part of my job, but the people as well who are on the front lines so-to-speak, i.e. at work, school, with friends, and in many places that the priest cannot be all at once, that is why the work of the Church is shared by all.

The deeper question is, “Why wouldn’t I want to learn as much as I can about God?” He is the one who has given me life, all that I have in it, the one who will take me to Himself when my life here ends. I think those reasons are good enough. But the most important reason is the one Jeremiah has left us with and I will simply close with his words and pray that they touch all our hearts. “… (The Word of the Lord) becomes like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it. (emphasis mine)

Fr. John

Image of St. John the Apostle

image from http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-john-the-apostle-gallery/