PROFILES IN COURAGE

“John had told him, ‘It is not right for you to live with her.’ ” –Matthew 14:4

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.”