When the prophet Isaiah describes the chosen servant of God he describes him as “not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench.” The servant (usually called the Suffering Servant) does not show superior strength but superior gentleness. That servant produces a “victory for justice” and becomes “a light for the nations.” In today’s society we notice the one who makes a noise, who calls attention to himself. We need to become sensitive to the gentle presence which goes quietly about helping others. That is the model that the prophet holds up for us as the one that is truly effective for the long term.