October 22, 2014 - Wednesday

And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” (Matthew 13:57 NABRE)


Have you ever wanted to try something new, but didn't try it because of what other people might say? Have you ever felt like you should say something, but didn't say it because others wouldn't like it? I think that must be how Jesus felt when his own Nazareth neighbors and friends were offended by his preaching. What's different, however, is that Jesus spoke anyway!

How can we speak the important things when we know others will reject what we say? Where do we find the courage to disregard the insults and odd looks we may rightly expect to encounter and speak out at the prompting of our consciences?

When we are facing certain ridicule and judgment for our beliefs, we should call on the same Holy Spirit that Jesus called upon, asking that he give us the words to speak, the right actions to take, and the courage to speak and act as we are called to. Each situation is different, but the Holy Spirit is with us in each moment, no matter how difficult it is, no matter how unprepared we feel, and he is always ready to lead us through them.

Holy Spirit--who dwelt in Jesus, the one who also dwells within me, the third person of the Trinity, clothing of divine power, the promise of God the Father, the Spirit who filled the Apostles on Pentecost and gave them voice to speak the truth about Jesus and the courage to bear witness to his life--guide me. Give me the words I need to speak when I need them so that I never need to worry if I said "the right thing." And as you take away my anxiety, replace it with the courage to speak into difficult moments and the certainty to act according to the will of the Father.


Today, I will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for all those who find themselves in difficult and even threatening situations, that in those moments they may know the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.


Saint John Paul II, who urges us to “Open wide the doors to Christ,” especially on this your first feast day, pray for us.
Saint Faustina, who was canonized by John Paul II in 2000 and whose willingness to write her dreams in a diary gives us a new and deeper understanding of divine mercy, pray for us.