Wednesday 4th week of Easter
"Jn 12:44-50"
And Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And he who sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness…For I have not spoken on my own authority; the Father who sent me has himself given me commandment what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has bidden me."
Jesus fulfilled the Will of His Father and said what He had to say. That was the mission of the prophets: to speak up. When the prophet Jeremiah was given his mission, he said, "Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth." But the reply of God was: "Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Be not afraid of them, for I am with you" (Jer 1:6,7).
Moses too excused himself, saying: "Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent...I am slow of speech and of tongue." But God said to him: "Who has made man's mouth? ...Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak" (Ex 4:11,12). It's as if saying, 'I know you, because I made you. I know what I can ask from you. Now, go and talk to them! Don't be afraid: I am with you.'
Christians are prophets in that sense. We are called to talk and not to be afraid of spreading the light of the truth. A university professor of Spanish literature was in the habit of telling dirty jokes while he lectured. Many students weren't comfortable with it but didn't say a word. Suddenly he asked if anyone knew a poem with verses in a particular metre called 'Decima espinela.' A good Catholic girl sprang up and started reciting in a clear loud voice a prayer to Our Lady asking for 'Holy Purity' that fitted in that pattern: "Bendita sea tu pureza, y eternamente lo sea..." (Blessed be your purity, may it be blessed for ever...) There was a moment of silence when she finished; and then sudden applause. The lecturer felt a bit embarrassed and apologised. That was the end of his inappropriate jokes. My Mother, Queen of Prophets, help me to have the courage to speak up and give light, whenever necessary, to all those around me.
