"When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say." Mt 10:19
Due diligence is an important quality in life. We ought to be prepared for whatever it is God wants of us. Preachers, for instance, should not presume or take advantage of God's promise to give us the words we need to confound our enemies or those who think differently than us about God or faith without adequate preparation. Reading, reflection and meditation on God's word are essential for anyone commissioned to proclaim God's word.
Everyday Christians, all of whom have a vocation or a call from God to live and speak Good News, must also prepare themselves by a faith filled life that values personal and communal prayer, spiritual reading, especially of the Bible, and good works of charity and justice. Pope St Clement says it this way, "There are many gates that stand open, but the gate of justice is the gateway of Christ."
At the same time, there will those moments in life when we are under enormous pressure not to live faith because the prevailing culture suggests that the acquisition of riches and power is the only way we can be happy and have a voice in our society. For those faced with this struggle, the words of Matthew in the 10th chapter of his gospel are powerful. We should not worry about what to say. Rather, we should live simply, honestly and justly, and trust that when we need to say something about our choices, God will give us the words, not to condemn or diminish others, but to explain ourselves with compassion and joy.
Today, make a choice to live more simply for others.
How do you prepare your heart for the struggles that come with living your faith?
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