To Boldly Go.....

1 Peter 4:16-17 - But whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name. For it is time for the judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, how will it end for those who fail to obey the gospel of God?

Thoughts: Pope Benedict in declaring the 'Year of Faith' calls us to boldly evangelize both inside and outside of our church. Thanks to the grace of God I am no longer ashamed or apologetic for being a Christian and a Catholic. Rather, I am ready to endure rejection or ridicule for the sake of the message, ready to offer the reason for my hope. A hope that transcends this world, a hope of eternal salvation living in the presence of God. 

I used to be afraid to state what I believed. Afraid that I might be ridiculed or challenged for my beliefs. I would say things like, “I can’t explain it but good things are happening to me. I am able to sleep now at night and my fears are gone”. I was hesitant to give God the credit and glorify Him for my blessings. No wonder I was ineffective as a disciple. But now the truth rolls out of my mouth easily.  

I can no longer soft sell the message. I must give credit to Jesus who gives all good things. Girded by that truth I can boldly proclaim the gospel as one with authority. A while back I was attending our annual men's retreat. I was asked to give a short 10 minute witness talk with a lead in to adoration. Humbled by the invitation I went to the chapel to sit in front of the blessed sacrament. As I sat in the presence of my Lord and King, I prayed and the Spirit of Truth filled me. I shared my conversion story and was able to proclaim the message of salvation to all who were present.  

After adoration a number of people came up to me and said they were touched by my words and their lives had been changed. One man said he thought it was Pentecost all over again. I sit in awe of God for the lives that were changed by those words. But I know that they were not my words but the words given me by the Holy Spirit. It does take a leap of faith to step out and state what you believe but the rewards are eternal. 

As it says in the reading, judgement will begin with the household of God. It will start with the believers and disciples. As for me, I will attempt to obey the gospel of God, spreading the good news to win hearts over to Jesus.