The Holy Spirit's gift of courage

Good News ReflectionTuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary TimeJune 2, 2009
Today's Readings:Tobit 2:9-14Ps 112:1-2, 7-9Mark 12:13-17http://www.usccb.org/nab/060209.shtmlAudio: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_06_02.mp3
The Holy Spirit's gift of courage
Have you ever been tripped or trapped by a challenging question? How did you feel? How do you think Jesus felt when it happened to him? Assuredly, he took it much more calmly than you or I do. Why is that?
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus responds to a trap laid by Pharisees and Herodians. His confidence comes from knowing that the Holy Spirit would provide the right words and the perfect wisdom. Jesus could thus deal with each situation in close partnership with God the Father. You and I have been given the same Spirit.
What do you need from the Holy Spirit so that you can serve God's kingdom courageously? Whatever it is, God's Spirit is reliable and will make everything available to you exactly when you need it. If you don't seem to have it now, it's because you don't need it yet.
Courage comes from trust. Although it might feel like you don't have what it takes to stand up to trouble and become victorious, that's only because you're moving beyond your comfort zone. If the situation were IN your comfort zone, you wouldn't need courage. Trusting God means taking bold, scary steps into the unfamiliar.
One year on Pentecost, I asked for the Holy Spirit's boldness to speak up against injustices that I sometimes witness within our beloved Church. Normally, if speaking up is politically incorrect, if it's socially unacceptable, if it strays from the expectations of what "should" happen in church, if it's outside the comfort zone of the rules of "normalcy", or if it could result in a reprimand or disapproval, my heart races, my knees tremble, and I keep my mouth shut.
God continually gives us opportunities to learn so that we can improve. I soon found myself boldly asking a priest to delay Mass because an accident on the street was keeping many parishioners from getting to church on time. I let my concern for these people outweigh my personal, emotional discomfort.
The priest replied that Mass must always start on time. For Americans, starting an event on time and ending on time (or ending early) is a big deal. And for Catholic Americans, disagreeing with a priest is an even bigger deal. To my surprise, I looked him in the eye and, with my voice full of compassion, said: "For the sake of the people who want to be here on time but cannot, please wait just a few minutes!" The priest's reply? "Okay."
That happened a long time ago. Since then, I have experienced that same Spirit-filled confidence every time God wants me to stand up to injustices, which always involves stepping away from what's normal and expected and socially "proper". However, to receive this gift from the Holy Spirit, I have to be willing to feel uncomfortable.
What's the gift you're asking for? He's ready to provide it! Now ask the Holy Spirit to show you what comfort zone you must step away from so that you can experience this gift.
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue...
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is my employment through which I provide my writing services; the income from this (although very small at these early stages) will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe