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Nicodemus was a Pharisee who was afraid of having his reputation tainted among his associates, all of whom vehemently opposed Jesus. However, he mustered enough courage to bring up a point of law in Jesus' favour. After the crucifixion, with more courage, Nicodemus assisted in the burial of Jesus (Jn. 19:39). Jesus looked for men who would have at least the courage of their convictions as did Nicodemus, but He found few. How disappointed and sad He must have been to hear some out of cowardice bring up specious arguments against Him from Scripture itself. Jeremiah, in the first reading was a man of tremendous courage and though he knew he was like a lamb being led to slaughter, he stuck to his convictions. Like Nicodemus and even more like Jeremiah, we must have the courage of our convictions. We must be witnesses for Christ before others. The very testimony of our Christian life and good works done in a supernatural spirit should lead others to Christ. Neither fear for our reputation nor for our security is an excuse for failing to defend and proclaim Christ. Yes, Jesus wants and needs disciples who have the courage of their convictions. Lord, give us the courage to face the truth about ourselves and others that we may be brave and free to proclaim and serve You. Amen. |
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P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
| INTENTION : |
For the ecclesial organisations and groups engaged in social
action, that in their testimony they may proclaim strongly and consistently
the Gospel of Love.
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It is the Church's desire that all social-charitable initiatives might
always be inspired, in their implementation, by the immutable principles of
the Gospel. There is danger, however, that professional organisations
engaged in the social field risk losing the fundamental motivation for their
existence: that is bearing witness to Christ's charity which the Church has
the duty to communicate and to share with others. In order to be effective, then, continual spiritual formation is needed for voluntary co-operators who wish to devote themselves to social action. All these initiatives tend to develop the awareness that the foundation and centre of our action is Christ, in whom the God of love revealed himself and gave himself to men and women. Consequently all those who welcome Christ follow him and answer the call to be faithful witnesses to it. This awareness must totally imbue the hearts and minds of individuals so that it also inspires the Communities they set up for organised action in support of underprivileged persons and communities suffering from material and moral poverty. Being thus imbued and formed it becomes necessary that volunteers pray to draw Christ into their midst and have him accompany them. | |
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