Jeremiah courageously confronted his opponents: "It was the Lord Who sent me to prophesy" (Jer 26:12) and "Mark well: if you put me to death, it is innocent blood you bring on yourselves" (Jer 26:15). Uriah prophesied the same thing to the same people as Jeremiah did (Jer 26:20). However, instead of courageously confronting his enemies, he "fled in fear to Egypt" (Jer 26:21). King Jehoiakim had him hunted down and killed (Jer 26:22-23). Courage makes a difference how you live or die. Be another Jeremiah, not a Uriah.
St. John the Baptizer courageously confronted Herod regarding his adultery (Mt 14:4). Herod lacked courage, as he was manipulated by fear of public opinion (Mt 14:5), and of what others might say (Mt 14:9). John was a martyr; Herod, a killer. Courage can be the difference between love and sin or between salvation and damnation.
Be courageous, fearless, unable to be intimidated, and free.
| PRAYER: | Father, send the Holy Spirit to give me the courage of the first Christians and the martyrs. |
| PROMISE: | "Now, therefore, reform your ways and your deeds; listen to the voice of the Lord your God, so that the Lord will repent of the evil with which He threatens you." –Jer 26:13 |
| PRAISE: | St. Peter Chrysologus was named Bishop of Ravenna, Italy, in 433 AD. "Anyone who wishes to frolic with the devil," St. Peter said, "cannot rejoice with Christ." |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College