Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church (Memorial)
Enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness. (Acts 4:29)
Peter and John had just spent the night in jail for healing a man who couldn’t walk. The next morning, authorities released them after sternly warning them never again to proclaim Jesus. So what did they do? Return to the Christian community and pray—not for protection, but for courage to continue.
Boldness is one of the key signs of holiness Pope Francis identifies in his apostolic exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate. He praises “the freedom of a life open to God and to others” (129). That sounds great, doesn’t it? Wouldn’t we all like a bit more boldness? But this can also sound daunting, especially if we tend to be timid or private about our faith.
Well, did you know that you already have the spiritual gift of courage?
To help explain this, the Holy Father gives us a new take on a familiar image. You’ve probably seen the famous painting of Jesus knocking on a closed door (from Revelation 3:20). Pope Francis invites us to reverse the image. Jesus, who dwells within us through Baptism, is knocking on the inside of our heart’s door. He wants to be let out into the world around us so that his love can touch and transform the people we meet. As Pope Francis says, “We are weak, yet we hold a treasure that can enlarge us and make those who receive it better and happier” (131).
God confirmed this truth when he shook the room where Peter and John and the other disciples prayed for courage. They had just been released from prison for proclaiming Christ boldly, and after praying they went out and continued to proclaim him boldly. They had what was required; they just needed to act on it.
This same gift of boldness lives in you through the Holy Spirit. So put it to use. Start thinking in a fresh way about the opportunities you have to make Jesus better known. It can be as simple as taking that one small brave step to open the door for Jesus. Look at one stranger in the eye and ask his name. Do just one unexpected act of kindness. Watch for just one opportunity to pray with someone for comfort or healing. You will see how God affirms each act of boldness!
“Lord, thank you for the gift of boldness. Help me to remain confident in you today.”
Psalm 2:1-9
John 3:1-8
