When the Nun Silenced the Shock Jock

As Christians, we are living in a time when our faith seems to be under constant assault. As individuals we have all endured encounters where our Faith - that which is most precious to us - is mocked and jeered, if not outright attacked. What is our response to such assaults? Well, it's difficult to know how to respond in a way that doesn't reflect badly on our faith but yet also gently and effectively reproaches. Although it sounds simple, it is hard to capture without losing our patience or our train of thought. At Innerweavings we feel that now more than ever before, we need to know how to respond in love to a world that is desperate for God's grace. We cannot think of a better example of how to respond than the one we now share with you....

The number one reason do not publicly share their faith is fear of being ridiculed. To speak publicly is to open ourselves up to vulnerability - to risk the potential hurt, anger, suspicion or apathy of others. The Bible calls those who do not listen in good faith, or make sarcastic quips in return rather than thoughtful responses, “scoffers.” Mockery is intended to make the victim feel small and humiliated. It has a paralyzing psychological effect that lasts much, much longer than the initial encounter. It is also a sin that is a reflection of the heart of the perpetrator.

There is a Biblical way to deal with scoffers. Psalm 1:1 advises us to avoid such individuals altogether. But sometimes this is just not possible. In those situations we should:

Refuse to internalize the situation. They’re not angry at you. They’re angry at God – and you are just a substitute at that moment. Focus instead on the special blessing you have been given, for as Jesus said in Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”

Try to understand and empathize with their motives. They may be hurting, they may be arrogant, they may be apathetic – but whatever the underlying emotion, unconfessed sin lies at the root of their actions. Above all, remember the dire consequences for their behavior. As Galatians 6:7-8 states: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

Speak boldly in response. Though we don’t “cast our pearls before swine,” we must follow the instruction of I Peter 3:15: “But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that you have. But respond with gentleness and respect.”

Above all, follow Christ’s example Who, while being mocked in His hour of torment on the Cross found the grace to pray, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

And now for a real-life example of such godliness in action!

For anyone lucky enough to not be familiar with Howard Stern, his claim to fame is being a “shock jock” – a DJ on subscription radio because he is too profane for the public airwaves. He specializes in the type of “humor” that only those who would have mocked Christ on the Cross find hilarious.

For anyone who has never been blessed to hear Mother Angelica, you are in for a treat! She was a Poor Claire nun who founded her own tv ministry, EWTN, in 1981. She would often take phone calls from her audience. One of Howard Stern’s crew members who went by the name “Captain Janks,” thought it would be hilarious to call into Mother Angelica’s show and embarrass her with a profane scenario in order to mock her and the God she served. However, Mother followed God’s script instead and, with remarkable intuition and foresight, saw through to the heart of this scoffer. For, as it turns out, not long after this call it was revealed that Captain Janks, whose real name is Thomas Michael Cipriano, was arrested and faced up to 45 years in prison for crimes related to a prescription drug addiction.

No, God will not be mocked and we shall all reap what we have sown. Today let us thank our Heavenly Father for the wonderful example of Mother Angelica and pray for the souls of those who mock Him and His followers. May they repent and accept the wonderful love and gift of eternal life through the One Who gave His life for them!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjvmVMf8RDA