Through Lent with Pope Francis
Look at Jesus. His deep compassion reached out to others. It did not make him hesitant, timid or self-conscious, as often happens with us. Quite the opposite. His compassion made him go out actively to preach and to send others on a mission of healing and liberation.
Gaudete et exsultate
Let us acknowledge our weakness, but allow Jesus to lay hold of it and send us too on mission. We are weak, yet we hold a treasure that can enlarge us and make those who receive it better and happier.
Boldness and apostolic courage are an essential part of mission.
Scripture
2 Corinthians 4:1-7 NCB
Therefore, since we are engaged in this ministry through the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced all shameful and hidden ways. We do not engage in deception or falsify the word of God.
By stating the truth in an open manner, we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.
If our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, those unbelievers whose minds have been blinded by the god of this world to prevent them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
We do not proclaim ourselves. Rather we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your servants for the sake of Jesus. For the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has enabled his light to shine in our hearts in order to enlighten them with the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
However, we hold this treasure in earthen vessels so that it may be clear that this immense power belongs to God and does not derive from us.
Thought for Today
This is maybe a paradox of the Christian faith; on the one hand, in all humility, we recognise that we are only God’s servants, alone we can do nothing. Yet, we stand tall and have great confidence in our message. Saint Paul is very much a model of this sort of humble confidence.
Could God be calling you to let your light shine more before others?
Music
Earthen Vessels sung by the St. Louis Jesuits, written by John Foley SJ