From Abraham in the Old Testament to Paul in the New Testament, God chose men who had checkered backgrounds. He often picked those whose qualities and character seemed to be inappropriate for the job. For the person that He will use to found the 12 tribes into a chosen nation, God selected Abraham, a childless old man. For someone who will be charged with spreading the Gospel even to the non-Jews, God elected the fiery Saul of Tarsus who was zealous about the observance of the Mosaic tradition.
All the persons that God chose, however, had one sterling mark: they were all fearless. Abraham followed God’s instructions to the letter, even as far as bringing his son Isaac to Moriah to be sacrificed. Paul would later move from place to place, amidst threats to life, imprisonment, shipwreck and daily anxieties, if only to preach about Jesus and to build up a community of believers in His name.
Even now, success comes to people not only because they are educated, well-bred and talented. Success smiles on those who try, dare and are unafraid. It is this kind of persons — men and women with brave hearts — who are able tograb opportunities that come even in trying and critical moments and make the best of them. Yes, be not afraid. This world is not for the fainthearted. In a letter to his young assistant Timothy, Paul wrote, “I remind you to keep alive the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid, instead His Spirit fills us with power, love and selfcontrol” (2 Timothy 1:6-7).Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP
Reflection Question:
Reminisce one experience where your deep faith and guts earned you victory in Jesus’ name. Spend some time asking Jesus to renew and rekindle in you the flame of His Holy Spirit.
Grant me a brave heart, Lord, that I may dare to pass through unknown paths in order to follow Your will for my life. Amen.
St. Adrian Van Hilvarenbeek, pray for us.
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