When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be
or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.” (Luke 12:11-12)
Believe it or not, I actually have spoken before a synagogue. A couple years ago, the rabbis from the synagogue that Elise and I attend were away on a sabbatical and one of the ministries took on the responsibility to put on a Friday night Shabbat service. As part of the service they needed someone to give the sermon. And for some reason they chose me. Go figure. Shouldn’t every Jewish House of Worship have their very own Catholic laying in the wings to give their take on the Torah? Of course they should!!
The reading was from the book of Numbers and was the story of the Moabite king, Balak, and the prophet, Balaam. Balak asks Balaam to curse the Israelite army but Balaam informs him that he can only say what the Lord God has commanded him to say and that involves blessing the Israelites. Balaam actually only comes to the realization that this must be his course of action after an obstinate donkey helps him to see the light (think Eddie Murphy as “Donkey” in Shrek).
Well I was panicking before the talk, to say the least. Wrote and rewrote the sermon several times. But it just was not right. And I knew it. Right up until about 15 minutes before I was to give the talk, I was sweating bullets. Not because of public speaking. I am somewhat used to that. It was because I knew the sermon was not up to snuff. Then, out of left field (that is, if the Holy Spirit actually played left field) it came to me. Exactly what I wanted to say. A few quick scribbles and I was up at the Bima (the lectern in Jewish sanctuaries). It went well. And my last line actually happened to lead into the song that the cantor had planned on doing.
Was it me that got it right? Well, partly so. But I am convinced that the Holy Spirit jumped inside my head that night and put truth into my words. And I can certainly say that same thing happens when writing most reflections for ACM. This one included. I know if I take the time to read and reread the passages, read the chapter in full to get context and do the research, then stop and listen the approach I need to take in writing the reflection becomes obvious. And the reflection almost writes itself. That is not me…except for the part where I patiently wait for the words to make themselves known to me.
Some politicians use teleprompters. Some speak without notes or prompting. Dangerous? Maybe. But it allows the person’s heart and soul shine through. Some for the better. Others? Well, you know.
There is a technique that can be used when reading Scripture called Lectio Divina. Essentially it involves reading the passage a few times, then praying and meditating on the reading. Typically this results in a portion of the reading jumping out and speaking to you. Again, the “overworked” Holy Spirit is hard at it opening up our hearts to what God is trying to communicate through us. While it adds a bit more time to reading Scripture, it can increase its value. A priest I know has said that prayer is like a one way conversation between you and God. While Lectio opens up a channel where God can speak to us.
I think what Jesus is telling us here in today’s Gospel is not that he wants us to remain ignorant of His word and then wait for the Spirit to move us. Preparation and education is still vital in knowing what words to use, particularly when we are in a position to defend the faith. Through regular reading of the Bible, through listening to reflections and homilies, listening to Catholic radio or YouTube videos, and reading good Catholic books we can be in a better position to convey God’s truth when needed and give the Holy Spirit fertile ground to do His work. We may not have a talking donkey to lead us but the third person of the Trinity will do nicely in its place.
