As for me, I am in your hands; do with me what is good and right in your eyes.
But you should certainly know that by putting me to death, you bring innocent blood on yourselves, on this city and its inhabitants. For in truth it was the LORD who sent me to you, to speak all these words for you to hear.”
Then the princes and all the people said to the priests and the prophets, “This man does not deserve a death sentence; it is in the name of the LORD, our God, that he speaks to us.” (Jeremiah 26:14-16 NABRE)
Who has real authority? The leaders and the people who intended to put Jeremiah to death discovered that they did not have real authority. The prophet had shared with them God's desire that they change, turn away from their evil ways, and begin again to follow the law. He also shared God's intention to destroy Jerusalem if they did not change. His words insulted them, made them angry. And they aimed their anger at Jeremiah.
Fortunately, some who had both restraint and respected voices turned the people's anger and resentment to awareness of the truth of Jeremiah's claim, his instruction, and his authority. His words, as unpopular as they were, came from the Lord. And so, what he said, as unsettling as it was, was true. And his life was spared.
Today, I will listen for the truth of things, even when it is unpopular.
Saint Peter Chrysologus, who had a fierce loyalty to the Church's teaching and its authority, pray for us.
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