Wisdom in Speaking

by David Lins  |  11/17/2019  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

This Sunday’s Gospel contains an interesting paragraph:

“They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.”

As someone who has given talks and written articles for many years, this excerpt of Scripture has always stood out.

Before giving a talk, you should always be prepared. Before writing any article, you should have a clear endpoint in mind. (Think of it as knowing where you want to land the plane before taking off.)

Yet here, the Lord is giving clear instruction to any of his followers who find themselves brought before powerful enemies: don’t do prep. That’s right. Don’t prep.

Here is the caveat: his advice is specific.

The Lord is speaking about the words, not prayer.

If we are people of prayer, soaking ourselves in the sacraments, having conversations and building relationships with others who want to be saints (not for personal glory, but because they recognize that is why they exist), and regularly reading the Word, we need not prepare our words.

Why?

Our words do not... will not... CANNOT contain the same power as when we allow the Holy Spirit to speak through us.

Allow me to remind you of His promise.

“For I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.”

So do not fear attack. Do not fear persecution. Do not fear your own limitations.

Give the Lord your heart and he will have your back.

Questions? Comments? Email David at dlins@oloj.org.

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