Monday, April 29

Monday, April 29

Today’s Prayer and Reflection:

Enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness. (Acts 4:29)

Peter and John had just spent the night in jail for healing a man who couldn’t walk. The next morning, authorities released them after sternly warning them never again to proclaim Jesus. So what did they do? Return to the Christian community and pray—not for protection, but for courage to continue.

Boldness is one of the key signs of holiness Pope Francis identifies in his apostolic exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate. He praises “the freedom of a life open to God and to others” (129). That sounds great, doesn’t it? Wouldn’t we all like a bit more boldness? But this can also sound daunting, especially if we tend to be timid or private about our faith.

Well, did you know that you already have the spiritual gift of courage?

To help explain this, the Holy Father gives us a new take on a familiar image. You’ve probably seen the famous painting of Jesus knocking on a closed door (from Revelation 3:20). Pope Francis invites us to reverse the image. Jesus, who dwells within us through Baptism, is knocking on the inside of our heart’s door. He wants to be let out into the world around us so that his love can touch and transform the people we meet. As Pope Francis says, “We are weak, yet we hold a treasure that can enlarge us and make those who receive it better and happier” (131).

God confirmed this truth when he shook the room where Peter and John and the other disciples prayed for courage. They had just been released from prison for proclaiming Christ boldly, and after praying they went out and continued to proclaim him boldly. They had what was required; they just needed to act on it.

This same gift of boldness lives in you through the Holy Spirit. So put it to use. Start thinking in a fresh way about the opportunities you have to make Jesus better known. It can be as simple as taking that one small brave step to open the door for Jesus. Look at one stranger in the eye and ask his name. Do just one unexpected act of kindness. Watch for just one opportunity to pray with someone for comfort or healing. You will see how God affirms each act of boldness!

“Lord, thank you for the gift of boldness. Help me to remain confident in you today.”

Reprinted with permission of The Word Among Us, 7115 Guilford Dr #100, Frederick, MD 21704, wau.org.

Today’s Announcements:

  • Happy Birthday to Daniel Gibbons!
  • In Saturday’s 2A South State track meet held at Northwest Rankin High School in Flowood, the Lady Irish captured first place team honors with 152 points and the men took third place team honors with 76 points. Those who qualified and will move on to the State track meet this Saturday are Abby Badurak, Isabel Leatherman,Olivia Leatherman, Isabel Patino, Alayna Miller, Gabbi Patino, Amelie Million, Jordan Pete, Leila Ransonet, Hailey Necaise, Makenzie Stenum, Olivia Williams, Linda Mustered, Quinn LaGrone, Mason McCullough, Cade Meyers, Dylan Middleton, Dominic Patino, Jaden Turner. The women’s team will be defending their 2A state title from last year.
  • Volleyball tryouts will be held in the gym tomorrow starting at 3:30. Make sure you have the appropriate attire for tryouts which include: tennis shoes, shorts, t-shirt, and knee pads. Any questions, please see Coach Blakeney.
  • Mrs. Trahan needs all drama guild officers to see her sometime today. There will be a drama guild meeting Wednesday afternoon from 3 to 3:30 in the theater.
  • The Balfour representative will be here on Wednesday, May 1, during lunch for letterman jacket/sweater fittings. Order forms will be available in the cafeteria today and tomorrow. No money will be due at the fitting.