Gospel Meditation: Do you have enough faith to be a public witness?

Let your faith light the path to heaven!

In today's Gospel the apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith. That is surely something we need today and that thought was affirmed by an article written by a priest of my diocese:

It’s extremely hard to remain a Christian, at least publically, when the society you live in treats you like an alien. 

But if remaining a Christian is a daunting challenge, even more daunting is the duty of every Christian to bring his or her faith into the public arena, to evangelize not only other people, but the culture itself. In this regard, Vatican II had this to say: “Since they have an active role to play in the whole life of the Church, laymen are not only bound to penetrate the world with a Christian spirit, but are also called to be witnesses to Christ in all things in the midst of human society.” (Gs 43) Read more...

WE ARE CALLED TO BE WITNESSES!


What does that mean? A witness in court is asked to tell what he has seen and heard and to publicly proclaim it.

Catholics have the fullness of the truth. What a disaster if we are too frightened or timid to proclaim it! In a world filled with darkness we have the ability to bring it light. But if we hide our light under a bushel basket or refuse to ever light a candle for fear someone will blow it out or use it to burn us, what good are we? Our silence and timidity leaves those who need our light stumbling around in the dark.

"Be not afraid," as St. John Paul II often said. Witness to the true, the good, and the beautiful. Be a signpost on the road to heaven to help others find the way. And rejoice when those who should thank you persecute you instead. For so was the Master treated and walking in His footsteps is the greatest blessing we can ever experience.

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine.