We may have promised Jesus that we would speak up for Him if He would give us the words. Many times, however, He wants us to speak up first, and then He'll give us the words. Jesus said: "When they hand you over, do not worry about what you will say or how you will say it. When the hour comes, you will be given what you are to say. You yourselves will not be the speakers; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you" (Mt 10:19-20).

Sometimes the Lord calls us to make the first move. The Lord commanded and promised: "Open wide your mouth and I will fill it" (Ps 81:11). Faith is confident assurance about things we don't see (Heb 11:1). When we open our mouths for Jesus without knowing what to say, we are walking by faith. Love is laying down our lives for others (1 Jn 3:16). When we speak, not concerned about how we look but rather concerned about the salvation of others, we are laying down our lives and truly loving our neighbor and our God.

Sometimes, the Lord gives us the word beforehand. At other times, however, faith and love lead the way. "Do whatever He tells you" (Jn 2:5).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 2, 2014

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