Tuesday, October 09, 2007

The Power of the Word of God

Peace and good!
The book of Jonah tells us of one of the most successful preaching tours ever. Jonah preached to the Ninevites, who didn't know God and didn't respect the Jewish people. Yet, in only one day, Jonah's preaching brought them to repentence and humility before God, who heard their pleas for forgiveness. And the amazing thing is, Jonah didn't want any of this to happen! He was a reluctant prophet who did not want his mission to succeed. Such is the power of God's word.
I sometimes imagine St. Francis outside the gates of Perugia. We are told he preached there. Yet, Perugia was the ancient enemy of Assisi, and Francis had spent a horrid year in disgusting conditions in a Perugian prison. I am sure that when he went to Perugia to preach, some part of him felt like Jonah: wanting to proclaim the merciful God, but hoping God wouldn't be too merciful to his enemies. Yet, he did preach to them, he overcame his natural animosity and distrust. He believed in the power of God's Word, greater than his own word.
May that Word work in us, through us, and, sometimes, despite us.
God bless!

5 comments:

Jeff said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jeff said...

Great reflections, Rashfriar. I especially liked the recent one about Montecasale.

Rashfriar said...

Thank you, Jeff. It is a marvelous spot and as you see I will have more musings about it. God bless!

Humble Beginnings said...

Great post. I also wrote on the same topic @ kingdominfluence.blogspot.com. Will like to know what you think.

Anonymous said...

I believe in God. www.jerseycart.com