Have you ever found yourself afraid of proclaiming the good news of Christ even when you were prompted by the Spirit? Have you been under pressure to abandon your Christian values? In today’s first reading, Jeremiah laments how his prosecutors wanted him dead because he delivered God’s message to the people. In the gospel, Jesus prepared his apostles’ mind of what they would face as they begin to preach the message of the kingdom. He instructed them not to let threats, suspicion, rejection, and intimidation to hinder them from bearing witness. Today’s disciples of Christ are faced with crisis of faith and witnessing. Fear is the devil’s weapon of oppression. Fear has made many Christians react selfishly and cowardly. Fear could come from external or internal forces (or both) making believers lose faith in God. God wants fearless disciples. The world is in need of fearless disciples who would stand up against the forces of evil; disciples who would rise above the challenges that would be thrown at them. Fearless disciples know that persecution is not the absence of God’s love (1Jn 4:18). They know that God will not abandon them and would give them the ultimate victory (Ps. 118:6; Ps. 23:4; Ps. 27:1). And so, do not be afraid of professing your faith or living the Christian life. Be a fearless disciple.

PRAYER: Lord, equip me with the strength to be a fearless disciple. Amen