Words have meaning. Words have consequences. Words can lift up and they can cast down. Yet even the most powerful prophecy or most eloquent tongue can fall on deaf ears, hard hearts, or stiff necks. Jeremiah is called, once again, to speak truth to power and to raise up a voice of justice and redress. Yet we are reminded, both then and now, “It may be that they will listen” and, of course, it may be that they will not. Despite the urgency of his words, the reaction of those in Jeremiah’s midst is not to heed his call but to call for his head. Yes, sometimes the truth is that costly.
History will remind us, right up to the present moment, precisely to the present hour, that the price of words and the value on truth can be very high indeed. “Give heed to my cry, for I am brought very low”, laments The Psalmist [Ps 142]. Ah, if only it were but so simple, so easy. If only resolution and respite were so near at hand. But in the great unfolding of history and dust, of Calvary Roads and frenzied Sanhedrins, this is not the telling of the tale. Not yet. John’s Gospel reminds us that words “divide”, and that even those who are near do not choose or wish to see or to comprehend. Perhaps they - we - are simply incapable, by virtue of the vast mystery which enshrouds their and our presence: “Jesus answered, ‘I have told you, and you do not believe.”
Yes, instead, let us gather up stones to cast at the One who speaks. Let us respond to oracle and insight with ignorance and venom. Let us stir the rabble and incite violence. Let us try to “arrest”, to stop, to halt the mighty river of truth and prophecy and justice which threatens to wash clean a sullied and bitter world.
Words have meaning. Of this, scripture is clear. So let us listen with a new way, and let us hear with a new heart, and let our souls be open without judgment to a lexicon of possibility and redemption, for there is no other way, save the road to ruin.
(Mark H. Hatch)
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