An Iron Pillar, A Bronze Wall
The Passion of St. John the Baptist
Today's reading · Jeremiah 1:17-19
But you, gird up your loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not break down before them, or I will break you before them. And I for my part have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall, against the whole land. They will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you.
This is a sending speech whose comfort does not come from the removal of opposition. God tells Jeremiah to prepare himself, stand firm, and speak everything he has been commanded to say. The warning not to break down before his hearers is a summons not to let fear silence or compromise the word entrusted to him. The danger is not merely the opposition itself, but allowing fear of his hearers to hollow out the message before it is even spoken.
Then the promise arrives, and it is enormous.
Today's intention
I have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall.